News

24/7 gym for 24/7 Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Peak physical fitness is a goal that each and every Airman is expected to strive for. But in the past, constantly rotating work schedules and limited gym hours made this difficult for many Airmen to achieve.

"Maintaining a high level of physical fitness is an essential part of our Air Force Culture. Shortly after my arrival last year, I challenged Team Dover to achieve a 100 percent pass rate on our Physical Fitness Test. Our Force Support team responded by manning our Fitness Center 24 hours, five days a week, allowing Team Dover's shift workers access to our world-class facility," said Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "With expanded 24/7 access, benchmark fitness programs, and a highly motivated staff of trained fitness professionals, I have no doubt 100 percent pass rate is within reach."

Beginning in mid-March, the Dover AFB Fitness Center will be transitioning to a 24-hour, seven days per week schedule, allowing all Airmen the opportunity to work out around the clock and achieve their fitness goals.

"This will be a real resiliency builder," said Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Browning, 436th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Flight superintendent. "This is going to allow access for all shifts, whether they're maintainers, or they work in (the logistics readiness squadron); it doesn't matter, it gives them full accessibility to improve their fitness levels."

This new 24/7 policy will be achieved by allowing Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC) holders to enter the facility. A sensor has been installed on the wall just left of the main entrance. Scanning a CAC will unlock the doors.

For CAC holders wishing to have their cards programmed to gain access, they must first fill out the Dover AFB Fitness Center Statement of Understanding (SOU) and Compliance of Rules During Unmanned Hours. This SOU will be distributed to all base units and will also be available at the fitness center. Once the SOU is filled out, it should be taken to the fitness center front desk. Individuals who fill out the SOU have the option to request an orientation and safety brief from a fitness center staff member or watch a brief video.

"The card reader is just left of the main entrance," said John Murray, 436th FSS Fitness Center director. "Just scan your card over the reader and the doors will unlock."

There are future plans to allow retired military and dependents that do not have CACs, CAC-like cards will be issued to allow them to access the facility. These plans have not yet been implemented.

The Fitness Center will continue to be manned by FSS personnel Mondays through Thursdays from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The facility also maintains 100 percent surveillance coverage, automated external defibrillators (AED) and first aid kits, providing optimal safety for all customers.

As of now, the only limitations to this new policy is that the saunas, located in the locker rooms, will be locked and off limits for safety reasons while FSS personnel are not on duty.

According to Capt. Walter Wingard, Jr., 436th FSS Sustainment Flight commander, the new policy and hours will save the base populace money.

"A lot of folks are seeking that opportunity after hours to work out and they are paying for it," said Wingard. "They're going to different places off base. This will help limit that."

This four-year-old facility encompasses 58 thousand square feet and is capable of serving nearly 1,400 daily customers. The center is outfitted with 133 pieces of cardio equipment, 35 pieces of body part-specific weight training apparatuses, and a full-service Fitness and Sports program, including: a parent/child area, main gym floor, two softball fields, one football/soccer field, a ΒΌ mile outdoor running track, an outdoor running trail equipped with nine body-weight training stations, and an outdoor tennis and basketball court. Additionally, this facility also provides countless programs and amenities.