MindGym bolsters mental fitness

A groundbreaking new facility, aimed at enhancing mental resilience and overall readiness, opened its doors during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 11, 2024. The MindGym, located in the McGuire Fitness Center, is designed to help service members strengthen their mental fitness and marks a significant milestone in the joint base’s efforts to address the holistic wellness of its personnel.

Available to all gym patrons, the state-of-the-art MindGym is a 7-foot-tall, isolated meditation cube filled with mirrors and lights creating an immersive experience. Individuals sit within the cube and use a headset to listen to their choice of 10-20 minute programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by military members. The programs, designed by certified mental health professionals, feature options such as mindfulness training, stress management and cognitive exercises to enhance problem solving skills.

“The opening of the MindGym represents a proactive step in equipping our people with the tools they need to thrive both on and off duty,” said Col. Anthony Smith, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander. “Our mission requires not only physical readiness but also mental sharpness and resilience. This facility is a testament of our commitment to supporting the whole person.”}

Dr. Janell MacAuley, a renowned expert in mindful leadership and a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, served as the keynote speaker at the ribbon-cutting event. MacAuley praised the initiative and underscored the importance of mental fitness in the military.

“We often talk about the importance of physical fitness in the armed forces, but mental fitness is equally critical,” MacAuley said. “The MindGym offers a space where individuals can learn to manage stress, improve focus and build the resilience needed to face the unique pressures of military life. This is about creating a culture of wellness that recognizes the power of the mind in achieving peak performance.”

The creation of the MindGym aligns with the Department of Defense’s broader focus on comprehensive wellness, which emphasizes the integration of physical, mental and emotional health. According to Smith, the MindGym is part of a larger effort to destigmatize seeking help for mental health challenges within the military.

“We want our service members to feel empowered to take charge of their mental fitness just as they do their physical fitness,” Smith said. “The MindGym is a visible reminder that asking for help or seeking tools to improve your mental resilience is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.”

MacAuley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for leaders at all levels to champion mental fitness.

“When leaders model mindfulness and prioritize mental health, it sends a powerful message to their teams,” MacAuley said. “This facility is not just a resource; it’s a catalyst for cultural change within the military.”

The MindGym operates during the same hours as the McGuire Fitness Center, and sessions can be scheduled using QR codes inside the fitness center.