Military Men, Physical Exercise, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of physical exercise, including CrossFit®, as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. Drawing on the author’s unique perspective as both a veteran and academic, it combines personal experience with research to evaluate exercise approaches such as strength training, aerobic activity, yoga, and mindfulness. It shows how these practices can support recovery, resilience, and mental health in ways that complement traditional therapies. A central theme is the influence of military masculinities in shaping how service members experience PTSD and respond to exercise-based interventions. The book critically examines how gender norms can both hinder and enable coping strategies, offering insights into adapting interventions to better meet veterans’ needs. Clear, engaging, and evidence-informed, this book is essential reading for veterans, mental health professionals, and researchers in psychology, sport science, and health who seek innovative approaches to trauma recovery.