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380AEW Article

Fitness Center: Conditioning Airmen for success

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs

It has a life of its own, complete with shirts soaked in sweat, the constant clanging of metal and occasional grunts. These sights and sounds are what resonate throughout the fitness center.

It is a platform dedicated to preparing Airmen for the physical challenges of the military and only one of several support functions in which the Services career field oversees.

“We want to ensure everyone’s physically ready and fit to fight by providing the best service possible to our customers,” said Staff Sgt. Atiana, special events coordinator.

Airmen have a range of exercise choices to pick from.

The gym offers its members conventional workout equipment as well as various sports and fitness classes. Altogether, there are 13 options to choose from.

“We have programs like our intramural sports and special events that boost morale, as well as weight and cardio rooms so they can work on and maintain their fitness levels, which is very important because everyone wants to be mission ready,” said Atiana.

Airmen running the gym are qualified to operate every piece of equipment and also provide guidance on best practices.

“The fitness center staff all go through a fitness fundamentals course, so we are able to train patrons on how to use the equipment properly,” said Airman First Class Josue, fitness specialist.

According to Atiana the gym is open and manned by staff 24/7, allowing its visitors to utilize the facility at any time. This is a feature she says is unique because most fitness centers don’t have around the clock staff available to assist customers.

“This is a great place, it gives me something to do that’s healthy and I love it,” said Staff Sgt. Brady, heating ventilation and air conditioning craftsman.

Airmen can benefit from exercise in numerous ways, and in some cases, it leads to better job performance.

Brady, who works in civil engineering, said he benefits from the weight training he does on a daily basis.

“Being in CE, we do a lot of heavy lifting, and my strength training helps me do the job,” said Brady. “Whenever we get new guys in from tech school that aren’t in the habit of exercising, I encourage them to pick it up because it carries over into what we do.”   

Whether it’s strength training, cardio, or sports the fitness center offers an exceptional blend of opportunities to help Airmen prepare physically for the challenges ahead.

(Editor’s note: Due to safety and security reasons, last names and unit designators were removed.)