US Health Clubs and Studios to Offer Free Memberships for Military Recruits Under New Service Ready Program

A fitness industry initiative for HFA member facilities will provide Americans heading to basic training with no-cost fitness access and training support.

By Pamela Kufahl, Senior Director of Communications

The US fitness industry is stepping up to assist the United States with its military‑readiness crisis through a program called Service Ready. The program provides verified recruits free gym access and optional coaching in the weeks leading up to basic training. 

The Health & Fitness Association announced the initiative at the 2026 HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit last week in Washington, DC, immediately prior to a luncheon keynote by Admiral Brian Christine, MD, assistant secretary for health and head of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

“Health is foundational to our national strength,” Christine said in his keynote address. “Health is essential to our readiness. It shapes the vitality of our economy, the resilience of our communities, and ultimately, health shapes the future of our country. But in recent years, our nation—the most powerful, charitable, prosperous, and capable country to ever exist—is failing when it comes to health and wellness.”

The United States’ high rate of chronic diseases such as obesity, type two diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are the primary drivers of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs, Christine said. Nearly 40% of US children and over 75% of adults suffer from at least one chronic health condition, compared to 50 years ago, when only about 10% of US children and 40% of adults had a chronic condition, he added.

These conditions are affecting military recruitment. In 2018, 71% of young Americans would not be eligible to join the military. One of the top reasons is because they are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Only 41% of Americans ages 17–24 (the age group that accounts for 90% of military applicants, per the CDC) currently meet both the physical activity and weight standards required for military service, while obesity alone disqualifies more than 52,000 applicants annually, according to data highlighted by HFA. Musculoskeletal injuries also continue to create significant readiness and cost burdens across the Armed Forces.

The Service Ready initiative, which will launch in the coming months, provides eight to 12 weeks of no-cost fitness facility access for verified recruits, optional coaching and movement technique sessions led by certified fitness professionals, and optional body composition assessments, where available.

“The announcement you made shows the commitment you have to this country,” Christine said. “Your commitment to the fighting forces and the fighting readiness of the United States of America touches me deeply.”

The initiative is designed to complement—not replace—existing military preparatory programs, including the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, Future Soldier Training System, Recruit Sustainment Program, and Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System.

“America’s military readiness challenges are increasingly tied to broader declines in physical activity and health outcomes among young adults,” said Mike Goscinski, HFA chief of staff. “As the nation marks America’s 250th anniversary, Service Ready is an opportunity for the fitness industry to step up and support future service members before they arrive at basic training by leveraging the existing facilities, expertise, and community infrastructure already operating across the country. This initiative is about improving preparedness, reducing preventable injuries, and strengthening national resilience through greater access to physical activity.”

HFA is currently identifying member facilities interested in joining the initiative. Interested members may complete this form to be notified as additional information becomes available.