The Borden Citizen spoke to two of PSP’s seasoned Fitness and Sports Instructors
On CFB Borden there are plenty of civilian held occupations designed to help serve CAF members before, during and after a deployment or posting, but none are as unique as the Fitness and Sports Instructors who help members achieve their operational fitness goals one-to-one or in a group.
From brand new fitness enthusiasts to long time athletes, PSP Borden’s FSI team is dedicated to improving the physical health and wellness of military members here in Ontario or across the globe on deployments.
Two FSIs that capture what it means to provide the CAF with such a vital resource are Chelsey Tuck and Bradley Kinzett who shared with me the impact they’ve had on military lives over the years.
“I’ve gotten a lot of cool experiences with the company and with the job,” Kinzett said.
Meet the FSIs
Born in Mississauga, Ont. and raised in nearby Everett, Kinzett’s journey into fitness instruction was somewhat serendipitous. As he approached the end of his college term, he applied to various gyms, eventually landing a work term at CFB Borden that transitioned into a full-time role.
“My job primarily, is training our military…whatever discipline they might want to be training that day, whether it’s by their request, or if we have their occupation standards, then we’ll train them based on that,” explained Kinzett.
Today, Kinzett is a seasoned FSI at CFB Borden and has been a cornerstone of the Borden community since January 2010. Over the course of his 14-year career, he has greatly influenced the physical training and morale of countless members through his dedicated and adaptive approach to fitness and sports.
Kinzett’s career is marked by a wide range of experiences, from conducting training sessions across Canada to international deployments in Germany and Kuwait. These opportunities have not only sharpened his professional skills but have also deepened his understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel, both at home and abroad.
“Sometimes this is their time to let off steam,” Kinzett said. “They come in here to work out and forget about that for an hour and they just want to vent to you and verbalize it.”
Tuck’s journey into the realm of fitness instruction was inspired by her college professor, who introduced her to the possibility of working in a military setting.
One of Tuck’s career highlights was her deployment to Latvia with Operation Reassurance, where she supported not just Canadian troops but also other NATO forces.
“I never knew that this was an option for a job in the fitness industry,” Tuck explained, reflecting on how this insight led her to apply for her current role straight out of college. “Being in Latvia is hands down the highlight of my career so far.”
She graduated from Georgian College, situated near her hometown of Elmvale, Ont., blossoming into her now six-year long career at CFB Borden that blends her passion for sports with academic pursuits in fitness and health promotion, and more recently a degree in sports psychology.
“I played sports growing up…and then in high school, I started getting into fitness and working out, and that was kind of assisting me with the sports I was playing,” she said.
What Tuck finds most rewarding about her role is the impact she has on individuals’ fitness journeys and the broad spectrum of people she gets to interact with.
“The best part about my job is just…being able to meet so many people from different walks of life here at the Base,” said Tuck.
Her work allows her to not only guide service members in improving their physical health but also to play a pivotal role in their overall well-being, creating trust and respect within the military community.
Training styles and methods
The daily responsibilities of an FSI encompass a variety of training sessions tailored to the goals of various military units. Whether it’s conducting FORCE fitness tests, personal training, or overseeing group exercises, instructors are adaptable in training styles and cater effectively to specific needs.
Kinzett is known for his empathetic and motivating training methods, designed to be accessible and engaging in philosophy.
“I’d say I’m a little more of a motivator…trying to keep things a little more light,” he said.
Kinzett emphasizes the importance of starting with manageable goals, which fosters a sustainable and positive relationship with fitness among the troops, helping service members push through their limits while ensuring they understand and enjoy their fitness journey.
Tuck’s approach to training is very methodical and personalized, meticulously tailoring fitness programs to meet the diverse needs of members from various trades. She described the unique challenges of designing fitness routines for different military roles, from desk-bound positions to physically demanding jobs like firefighting.
“Their programming is just going to look a lot different because their tasks on the daily are going to be very different,” Tuck explained.
Despite the physical demands and the emotional challenge of bidding farewell to members who move or are deployed, Tuck finds satisfaction in her work through the deep bonds she forms with the individuals she trains. Although many departures are bittersweet, Tuck takes pride in knowing that she made an impact.
Team players
Both Kinzett and Tuck spoke highly of the dynamic and supportive atmosphere amongst the FSI crew, which not only makes the demanding job enjoyable but also enriches the training environment for everyone involved.
Being part of team that frequently meets together, even outside of work hours, provides only a glimpse into the sense of community and belonging that the FSIs on CFB Borden foster amongst one another and the members they train.
Although it’s their main objective, Tuck and Kinzett’s impact on CFB Borden extends beyond physical training into the roles of mentor and confidant, highlighting the strong interpersonal relationships they share with CAF members who look to FSIs for guidance and support in various aspects of their military and personal lives.
The ability to connect on a personal level, understanding and addressing the anxieties related to fitness assessments or the challenges of maintaining physical health under stress, underscores the critical role FSIs play in the well-being of CAF members.
Reflecting on their careers, Kinzett and Tuck value the daily interactions and the deep sense of fulfillment derived from seeing tangible improvements in the health and morale of members.
Their journeys underscore a commitment not only to physical fitness but to the holistic well-being of those who serve, making FSIs respected and pivotal figures in the CAF community on CFB Borden.
By: Caleb Hooper
