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Whether your questions are burning or lingering, we can help! Browse our FAQ for answers to common program and service inquiries.


 FAQ About | FITNESS

[ ABOUT GENERAL FITNESS DEPARTMENT ENQUIRIES ]

Q  |  What certifications do the employees on PSP Esquimalt's Fitness Team hold?


A  |  The Fitness employees are all highly qualified with:
- Degrees in Physical Education, Recreation and Health Education, and/or Kinesiology.
- Multiple years experience in the Health and Fitness industries.
- National Lifeguard Standard (NLS) certification.
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) accreditation though the Canadian Society for Exercise Prescription
- CPR/AED/First Aid training.

Individual Fitness employees also hold additional certifications in: aquafit, spin, yoga, crossfit, national strength and conditioning, group fitness, and more fitness specialties.

Q  |  How long is a medical note good for?


A  |  Unless otherwise stated on your medical note, it is considered valid for six months from date of issue.

[ ABOUT ADAPTIVE FITNESS ]

Q  |  Can I participate in fitness if I have an injury or illness?


A  |  Yes, even if you have a physical limitation an exercise program can be adapted to keep you physically active - based on your needs. Talk to PSP Esquimalt's Adaptive Fitness Specialist for help today.

Q  |  What is Adaptive Fitness?


A  |  Fitness programs that address the needs and limitations of injured or ill Canadian Forces Regular or Primary Reserve (Class A, B and C) personnel posted to the JPSU and/or on the RTW Program. Through our supportive programs we facilitate members ability to participate in Canadian Forces fitness and sport activities.

Programs are individually set to the right frequency, intensity, time, and type of activities for each member - and are linked to operational fitness requirements. Adaptive Fitness can smooth the transition between medical rehabilitation and on-going physical fitness and sport activities, and help Canadian Forces personnel return to full active service.

Q  |  How do I access the Adaptive Fitness Program?


A  |  Talk to a member of your medical service team, such as your Medical Officer, Nurse, or Physiotherapist, to receive medical clearance to start an exercise program - and direct you to PSP Esquimalt's Adaptive Fitness Specialist.

ABOUT EXERCISE AND TRAINING ]

Q  |  Can anyone come to noon-hour classes at PSP Esquimalt facilities?


A  |  We welcome all Canadian Forces members, DND/NPF Employees, their family members, and anyone who holds a current facilities membership to our noon-hour classes.

Q  |  How do I get a personal training program?


A  |  Simply submit a Personal Training request form to a PSP employee at the gym you wish to train at (Naden Athletic Centre or Fleet Fitness and Wellness Centre).

Q  |  Is personal training available to civilians?


A  |  While our Fitness employees are always willing to offer advice and support to further your training success, one-on-one personal training session are available only to military members.

Q  |  What special sports and training equipment is available? How do I borrow equipment?


A  |  Acccessing sports and fitness equipment to use at our Naden Athletic Centre or Fleet Fitness Centre is easy. Simply request the supplies you would like to use at our kiosk or sports stores (Naden). Individuals may use equipment while in the facility. For unit, off-site, and/or long-term use, contact Sports Stores at Naden Athletic Centre to complete a loan card.

[ ABOUT TESTING AND ASSESSMENTS ]

Q  |  Can I book an EXPRES test for myself?


A  |  Please schedule your EXPRES test through your Unit EXPRES Coordinator.

Q  |  Can I re-do my EXPRES test immediately after not meeting the Military Physical Fitness Standards?


A  |  If you have not met your Military Physical Fitness Standards, you are required to complete a 12-week remedial training program - unless otherwise agreed upon by your CO, applicable PSP Fitness employees, and applicable medical employees (see Policies, DAOD 5023-2).

Q  |  May I do the step test instead of the run test?


A  |  The step test is an alternate protocol for members with injury or medical limitations. Eligibility for the alternate protocol step test is assessed by the Medical Office, applicable PSP Fitness employees, and members Chain Of Command (to find out more, please speak directly with a PSP Esquimalt Fitness employee, or refer to Policies BSO 2-242; Canadian Forces Expres Ops Manual).

Q  |  At 56 years (or older), do I still have to do the EXPRES test?


A  |  As of April 1, 2009, all Canadian Forces members 56 years and older are subject to annual Canadian Forces EXPRES fitness evaluations - as well as to administrative action for unsuccessful completion of the test. Military Physical Fitness Standards are the same as for members aged 35 years or older.

Q  |  Are EXPRES development classes only available to remedial clients?


A  |  Anyone who wishes to improve their fitness can attend an EXPRES development class and participate in training geared specifically towards the EXPRES evaluation and EXPRES protocol.

Q | How long is the Battle Fit Test (BFT)/Land Force Command Physical Fitness Standard (LFCPFS) valid for?


A | While completion of the Battle Fit Test or Land Force Commpand Physitcal Fitness Standard test both award two points to your annual PER (similar to the EXPRES Incentive level), BFT  and LFCPFS are only valid for one fiscal year.

Q | How long is the Firefighters test valid for?


A | While completion of the Firefighters test awards two points to your annual PER (similar to the EXPRES Incentive level), the test is only valid for one fiscal year.

[ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FITNESS PROGRAMS ]

 FAQ About | HEALTH PROMOTION

[ ABOUT GENERAL HEALTH ]

Q  |  What is health?


A | Health is a person's state of physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being - not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is a resource for meeting the challenges of daily life - not the objective of living. The concept of positive health emphasizes your social and personal resources, and physical capacities.

Q  |  What is health promotion?


A | Health promotion enables people to increase control over, and improve their complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. The Health Promotion Department helps individuals or groups identify and realize their goals and satisfy needs to change or cope with the environment. Get all the details about our Health Promotion Department.

[ ABOUT HEALTH COURSES ]

Q  |  How do I register for a course?


A  |  Most Health Promotion courses are held during regular work hours (0800 to 1600 hrs, Monday to Friday). Therefore, military attendees must register through their Unit Training Coordinator to ensure approval for you to miss work.

Military spouses can register by talking to the Health Promotion Department directly.

The Basic Relationship Training course is held outside of regular work hours, and attendees may register directly talking to the Health Promotion team.

Q  |  Can I receive one-on-one health counselling?


A  | The focus of the Health Promotion Department is to provide group-based, prevention-focused education programs. We do not offer individual counselling, but many supportive group courses are available in our four health priority areas: Active Living and Injury Prevention, Addictions Free Living, Nutrition and Weight Wellness, and Social Wellness. For one-on-one counselling, please talk to your physician for a referral.

Q  |  How much do Health Promotion courses cost?


A  | There is no charge for Health Promotion courses.

Q  |  Who can take a Health promotion course?


A  |  Any member of the Defence team can are encouraged to take control of their health and wellbeing through a Health Promotion course (including regular and reserve military members and their spouses - as well as NPF, MFRC, and part-time/contracted civilian employees).

Q  |  Where are Health promotion courses held?


A  |  All courses include guided instruction and/or drop-in meetings that are held at the Naden Athletic Centre classroom (building N-88).

Q  |  Do I have to wear uniform when attending a Health Promotion course?


A  | Casual clothing is acceptable in class, but if you are returning to work after class you will need to dress in uniform.

Q  |  How often are Health Promotion courses offered?


A  | A four month schedule of course dates, descriptions, and times is released three times per year. Popular courses are offered more often. See our Health Promotion Course Calendar for the current schedule.

Q  |  Are private group class sessions available for my unit?


A | Unit-specific classes can sometimes be arranged. Talk to Health Promotion to determine whether instructor(s), content, and other scheduling and delivery matters are available.

Q  |  Can I access the course learning material without taking the course?


A | All course material has been developed for guided delivery and is not available without classroom instruction. We do offer a comprehensive library on health-related matters though. Visit the Naden Athletic Centre to browse our collection and borrow material that will suit your needs.

Q  |  How do I find out more about the Health Promotion courses?


A | To get a more detailed description of our courses than what you can find on our websitetalk to the Health Promotion Administrative Assistant.

Q  |  Do Health Promotion courses have course codes that go on my Members Personal Record Resume (MPRR)?


A | You are not required to record Health Promotion courses on your MPRR; however, registrants’ details for certain courses (such as the Supervisors Addictions training) must be submitted to Ottawa.

[ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS ]

 FAQ About | OUR FACILITIES

[ ABOUT COLWOOD PACIFIC ACTIVITY CENTRE ]

Q  |  Can I find out more about a specific amenity or service at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre (CPAC)?


A  |  Yes! Simply talk to a Recreation employee at the Colwood Pacific Activity Centre to get your questions answered.

[ ABOUT FLEET FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTRE ]

Q  |  Can I find out more about a specific activity or service at the Fleet Fitness and Wellness Centre (Dockyard Gym)?


A  |  Of course! Stop by or call a Fitness employee at the Fleet Fitness and Wellness Centre for more information.

[ ABOUT NADEN ATHLETIC CENTRE & WURTELE ARENA ]

Q  |  How long is the pool at the Naden Athletic Centre?


A  |  25 metres.

Q  |  What is the temperature of the pool?


A  |  The main pool is heated to 82 degrees fahrenheit (27 degrees celsius); the kids pool is kept at 92 degrees fahrenheit (32 degrees celsius); the hot tub is a toasty 104 degrees fahrenheit (40 degrees celsius).

Q  |  Can I purchase swimming gear (goggles, caps, suits, etc) at the Naden Athletic Centre?


A  |  Although we do not have retail sales of swimming supplies, some gear can be purchased at the Canex, or at any local sports store or swim shop.

Q  |  How do I reserve the pool for my ships personal training use?


A  |  Place a quick phone call or email to our Facilities Coordinator to determine pool availablity and secure a time slot that works with your schedule.

Q  |  Is the pool available for public rental?


A  |  We welcome a limited number of public rentals at the Naden Athletic Centre pool; please contact our Facilities Coordinator to find out what opportunities are available right now.

Q  |  Are there any restrictions to pool swim times for personal fitness?


A  |  The pool is open for swimming any time there is not a private booking, or military training time - and provided there is a lifeguard on duty.

[ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FACILITIES ]

 FAQ About | SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS

ABOUT: SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS ]

Q | What is a "sponsorship" at CFB Esquimalt?


A  |  In a nutshell, sponsorship is a business arrangement that links a Morale and Welfare program or activity with support from a company, group, or organization. The sponsor receives an equal marketing opportunity to the Formation in reutrn for the contribution. The parameters of the arrangement (exchange of cash or product-in-kind for recognition) are negotiated and verified by the Sponsorship and Donations department at PSP Esquimalt, under direction of DGPFSS. Formal accounting and contract procedures must be followed; see Policies, Sponsorship and Donations for details.

Q | What is a "donation" at CFB Esquimalt?


A  |  Like sponsorship, a donation is cash or product-in-kind given by a company, group, or organization to support a Morale and Welfare program or activity. However, contributions made in the form of a donation receive no recognition in return. Donors do receive a tax receipt for any amount over $10, but public thank-you, signage, advertising, or any other form of acknowledgement is not included. Arrangements must be negotiated and verified by the Sponsorship and Donations department at PSP Esquimalt, under direction of DGPFSS. See Policies, Sponsorship and Donations for details.

Q | How do I generate sponsorship or donations for my Formation activity?


A  |  There are a few easy steps to garner support for your Morale and Welfare activity, our handy guide to the sponsorship and donations process will help. Please talk to a Sponsorship and Donations Coordinator if you have any questions.

Q | When do I contact Sponsorship and Donations for support of my activity? 


A  |  As early as possible, but at least six weeks in advance of your actvity date. Sending your Request Form, or even a "heads up" email, at the very beginning of your planning will only improve your chances of getting support. If desired, Sponsorship and Donations can suggest areas of support that may enhance your activities; advance notice (even informally) also means we can alert our contacts for your formal request when the details are ready to go.

Q | Can I solicit sponsorships and donations on my own? 


A  |  Any employee can approach businesses and organizations for support of a Morale and Welfare activity provided they: (a) complete DGPFSS Authorized Agent Training through the Sponsorship and Donations Department; (b) adhere to the sponsorship and donations process, which ensures agreements and accounting are properly completed.

Q | How do I become an "Authorized Agent" to solicit sponsorship and donations?


A  |  A training session takes place annually, typically in the fall, at CFB Esquimalt to certify Authorized Agents. Please contact Sponsorship and Donations for details and to register for the next course.

[ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS SUPPORT ]

 FAQ About | SPORTS

[ ABOUT SPORTS - GAMES AND GETTING INVOLVED ]

Q  |  What sports programs are offered at CFB Esquimalt?


A  |  Our Sports Department runs the following official Canadian Forces sports teams and events for military members: Ball Hockey, Basketball, Golf, Hockey, Racquet Sports, Soccer, Slo-Pitch, Swimming, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Volleyball. Find out more about each of our military sports - including our 18 intersection activities.

We also have a variety of
military community sports activities all year through our Recreation Department.

Q  |  How are travel arrangements and claims for Regional and National sports tournaments handled?


A  |  Getting to and from Canadian Forces sports tournaments will be coordinated by employees in the PSP Sports Department. We will consult with athletes and coaches to ensure correct approvals are granted, claims are initiated, and travel needs are arranged. Athletes will meet with a Sports Department employee following the tournament to complete the administrative work.

Q  |  Where can I find dates for Regional and National competitions?


A  |  Current dates set for Canadian Forces sports tournaments are noted in our Regional and National sports calendars.

Q  |  How can coaches get involved sports programs at CFB Esquimalt?


A  |  We are always interested in working with talented, qualified coaches for our sports teams. Certified individuals who are interested in coaching a base team are welcome to talk to our sports employees about your experience and our programs.

Q  |  How can athletes get involved sports programs at CFB Esquimalt?


A  |  There is an opportunity for members of all levels to take part in military sports at CFB Esquimalt. Base team recruitment, and intersection game schedules, occur as the season draws near. Find out more by talking to our Sports Department employees, or check our Military Sports pages for current try-out information.

Q  |  Where are base and intersection practices and games held?


A  |  At CFB Esquimalt, we have many professional fields, courts, and gymnasiums to ensure our base teams have the best places to train and compete - as well as connections to community centres and facilities for specific sports. Check our Facilities page for all the details. Tournaments and Regional's are typically hosted at CFB Esquimalt or Comox; intersection sports are played at Naden Athletic Center, Colville Road Fields and at the Wurtele Arena at Naden.

Q  |  Can anyone attend to watch a CFB Esquimalt sports event?


A  |  The more the merrier! We welcome all members, their friends and family, and the public to our games and practices - and appreciate your supportive cheers.

Q  |  Where is the practice and game schedule listed?


A  |  Practice schedules are provided to team members at the beginning of the season for base and intersection leagues. Currently scheduled games can be viewed on our Regional sports calendar.

[ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SPORTS PROGRAMS ]

National Links
DGPFSS
PSP
CANEX
SISIP FS
Sponsorship
FamilyForce
CF Newspaper
Family Information Line
Royal Military College of Canada
CF Exercise Prescriptions
Operational Stress Injury Social Support
CF Appreciation Program

[ Need to know more? ]
If you have a question not covered in our FAQ, let us know! We'll provide you with a specific answer from the right PSP Esquimalt department. Simply send us your feedback!