Comparison of service member and military spouse satisfaction with installation fitness facilities and exercise programs

Satisfaction with fitness facilities has long been accepted as a positive c ontributing factor to physical activity, readiness, and overall quality of life for military families. Our findings are based on a random sample of mi litary families surveyed at 38 installations worldwide and at remote locati ons. A total of 8,572 service member and 3,493 spouse (55% and 32% response rate, respectively) questionnaires were completed and returned. Overall, m embers were satisfied with fitness facilities and programs, but spouses wer e less satisfied and more unfamiliar with these facilities. Most valued pro grams were fitness centers and swimming pools. Members reported that elimin ation of fitness facilities would greatly decrease the quality of life on i nstallations, particularly at sites outside the continental United States, whereas spouses reported that this would not have a dramatic effect. The re sults of this study could be used to direct funding allocations, improve th e health and fitness of military families, and suggest areas for further re search.