High-Intensity Interval Training at Boots2Lead

Getting ready for training

Photo by Alexander Redl on Unsplash

As an artillery officer in the US Army, Col (R) Reese Turner received extensive military training, most notably from the US Military Academy at West Point and the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, (where he earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies). During his 31-year career he held commands and staff positions in several Army posts worldwide, including combat commands in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now retired from the Army, Col (R) Reese Turner heads Boots2Lead, a physical and mental health and wellness program, with lessons in leadership embedded, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Boots2Lead offers high intensity interval training (HIIT). Studies show that while all exercise burns calories and fat, the more intense the exercise, the higher the oxygen consumption, and thus the more calories and fat burned. Depending on ability, HIIT bursts are relatively short, from 30 to 90 seconds, but should push one almost to the limit. However, HIIT isn’t simply a matter of pushing oneself to exhaustion while working out. Rest (the “interval”) is critical because the heart gets its best conditioning when it alternates between the high-intensity bursts of energy and the low-intensity resting intervals (which should be about twice as long as the high-intensity bursts for beginners, and shorter for more seasoned trainees).

In addition to HIIT, Boots2Lead also offers muscle strength and endurance training, high-intensity resistance training, and nutrition and health guidance. Participants are paired with fellow trainees for inspiration, motivation, and accountability, and train for two 1-hour sessions weekly, each starting at precisely 5:30 AM. Finally, Col (R) Reese Turner takes time every session to share his lessons on leadership to help every participant become a better leader. Further information is available from the program’s website at proformanceresults.com/bootcamp.

Golf Event Funds Program for Children of Military Members

A retired military officer with more than three decades of service, Col. Reese Turner (Ret.) is the co-creator of Boots2Lead, a seven week leadership boot camp designed to instill 14 principles of leadership, while experiencing the physical and mental rigors of a military-type boot camp workout, coupled with learning 7 principles in fitness, at Proformance Health & Well-Being in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also an indoor cycling instructor where he motivates up to 50 riders at one time to push themselves physically and mentally, for both CycleBar locations in Louisville, Kentucky. Additionally, Col. Reese Turner is a longtime member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). 

MOAA provides many support services to military members and their families. One of the most important is the MOAA Educational Assistance Program and Scholarship Fund, which helps children of military members fund their undergraduate education through scholarships and loans with no interest. The fund has been in place for more than 70 years, and is made possible through donations from corporate partners, MOAA members, and fundraising events.

One such event is the Jeff Peck Memorial Golf Classic in Clifton, Virginia. In 2019, the annual function brought in $70,000 to help provide for scholarships and loans through the program.

To find out more about the awards or to apply, visit moaa.org/education.

Haven Family Services at Boys and Girls Haven

Col(R) Reese Turner spent more than 30 years in various leadership roles in the United States Army, including his most recent role as an executive director and division chief. He also has experience in the public sector, recently serving as the vice president of skills at Interapt, a mobile and web application development company in Louisville, Kentucky. Beyond his military and professional experience, Col (R) Reese Turner supports philanthropic organizations such as Boys and Girls Haven of Louisville.

Boys and Girls Haven was established by Father James C. Maloney in the 1940s to serve Louisville’s children in need. Today, the organization provides programs in areas of in-home foster care, residential foster care, transitional living, independence readiness, and Haven Family Services.

Support through Haven Family Services, which functions as the organization’s preventative wing, is available to children and families with children, particularly children at risk of hospitalization or out-of-home care due to mental health or behavioral issues. The program’s services include counseling for individuals and families, extensive medical support, and case management support. In addition, families can access outpatient substance abuse treatment through Haven Family Services.

To learn more about the services of Boys and Girls Haven, visit www.boysandgirlshaven.org.

The 2019 MOAA Military and Veteran Networking Forum

As the vice president of skills with Interapt in Louisville, Kentucky, Col. Reese Turner leads a diverse team of IT professionals and provides comprehensive IT project management. He formerly led military personnel as a colonel in the U.S. Army. Col. Reese Turner continues to support his fellow veterans and enlisted service members as a member of the Military Officers Association of America.

The largest professional group of military officers in the United States, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) supports strong national defense and advocates for military officers and their families at all career phases and stages. As part of these efforts, MOAA sponsors its annual Military and Veteran Networking Forum.

The 2019 MOAA Military and Veteran Networking Forum will take place on September 19, 2019, at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. MOAA has designed this event to help active service members, veterans, and military spouses network with executives, human resource professionals, and other key representatives of leading companies with military-friendly reputations.

How Women Veterans Can Overcome Challenges of Civilian Workforce

A retired army officer, Col. Reese Turner spent almost three decades in the U.S. Army. Now the vice president of skills at Interapt in Kentucky, Col. Reese Turner looks forward to assisting veterans, including women veterans, transition to civilian life as part of the Interapt skills program.

The fastest growing segment of the military is women. They comprise 14 percent of military forces in active duty and 9 percent of veterans. To date, over 280,000 women have been deployed in conflict areas in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the number of women veterans is expected to double by 2045.

Despite their growing contribution to the security of the country, however, women veterans are still facing challenges joining the job market. On top of the challenges that all veterans face like difficulty using military skills in the workplace and exaggerated concerns about post-traumatic stress disorder, women veterans face additional challenges like gender stereotypes, the wage gap, and difficulty balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. All these make their transition that much harder. 

For women transitioning into the civilian job market, there are a number of helpful coping tips. First, seek employment in firms that value veterans. These can be found through sites like militaryfriendly.com or through references from other women veterans. Research potential employers before applying to find out about their internal policies and any assistance programs they have for veterans. Second, learn to leverage military skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership to advance your career. Last, build a strong professional network, including a woman veteran mentor, to help with your job search and career progression.