Fitness specialists focus on fitness, fun

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Air Force has become more fitness centric in recent years, encouraging Airmen to become physically fit and live healthier. Airmen who staff the fitness center here are trained and eager to help patrons meet fitness goals.

Baker Field House is full of fitness opportunities. The facility has more than 200 pieces of cardio and strength training equipment. In addition to regular gym amenities, it is host to an indoor football field and track to support customers' fitness through the winter months.

"Working out is a good stress reliever. Everyone needs to burn it out and be refreshed when back at work," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Bonanno, 354th Force Support Squadron fitness manager. "Come in, play some basketball, football, or soccer. You can do aerobics or use the ab room."

There are typically seven contractor-run classes offered daily, ranging from physical training preparation to spin class, offering customers the opportunity to develop or improve their levels of fitness. Classes are also available for yoga, step aerobics and dance fitness programs such as Zumba ensuring customers have a diverse variety of ways to get fit.

"All of the classes are [Fitness Improvement Program] approved. Every single one of the classes we have are geared to military members primarily and then to dependents," said Sergeant Bonanno.

The 16-member gym staff also provides different programs including intramural sports and Aerobathons to help break up the winter months.

"We try to do something every couple of months run just by our staff and using our skills in fitness," said Senior Airman Sarah McGowan, 354th FSS fitness specialist.

For those wanting a more personalized workout, the fitness specialists are certified trainers and are qualified to assist in building an individualized program to help achieve fitness goals. They can give equipment orientations, showing all the different fitness equipment in the facility and demonstrating how to operate it - all patrons have to do is call and make an appointment.

"We try to get everyone involved in fitness since it's a big part of military life and during the winter there aren't a lot of activities for people to get involved in," said Airman McGowan. "Having different events motivates people to get to the gym in the winter time."

Operating the fitness center requires constant care including cleaning, monitoring equipment and filing the proper paperwork for routine and emergency maintenance. The annual equipment maintenance cost for the facility is around $65,000 each year.

The fitness center also offers its services to civilians and family dependants. A new program has been added targeted for physically-active parents.

"We're are about to open up the parent-child area next to the football field for spouses who want to bring their children to the gym," said Sergeant Bonanno.

The new parent-child area will has cardio machines and a small weight area where parents can work out while their kids playing in a child-friendly area just a few feet away.

The fitness center staff is currently overseeing pool repair and working to put together intramural indoor soccer, both based on customer feedback. The fitness center Airmen maintain a facility and use their skills to help customers meet their fitness goals and keep the wing physically ready for all challenges.