Around the clock fitness at Ramstein

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Damon Kasberg
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The Air Force mission runs 24 hours a day, but not every base service does the same. That is about to change as the Ramstein Northside Fitness Center plan to modify their hours.

Starting Jan. 1, the fitness center will be open from 4 a.m. Monday through 12 a.m. Friday.

"The Air Force started an initiative about a year ago to have fitness centers open 24/7," said Maj. Michelle Tarkowski, 786th Force Support Squadron commander. "Unfortunately we haven't received the funding yet to implement that fitness access program, but we had a lot of customers in Ramstein and the KMC who expressed interest in being able to working out during evening hours. To fulfill those needs we decided to go ahead and extend the Northside Fitness Center's hours during the work week."

The fitness center being open all day provides Airmen more flexibility with their workout routines, especially those who work different shifts. It's not only available to military members, but anyone who is an identification card holder can take advantage of the 24/5 program.

"This sounds like a great idea," said Airman 1st Class Alex Boutwell, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic. "People in my shop work swing and night shifts, which makes it hard to get a work out in when the gym closes at eleven. Sometimes I fall asleep after work and by the time I get up I don't have enough time to work out. It will be nice to have it open longer."

While the fitness center will be open longer, not all the areas will be available. The weight room, racquet ball courts and locker rooms will be closed off.

"People will still have access to a lot of equipment," said Isaac Melendez, 786th Force Support Squadron fitness center director. "The main fitness lobby will be open, along with the two bathrooms in the front lobby. They can utilize the resistance weight equipment, cardio machines and free weights.

"People love to work out and I think this a great idea for those who can't come to the fitness center because of their schedule," he continued. "They're going to have more time to work out and it's not going to be as crowded. The public should be very excited... our staff is already excited about this new transformation."

For more information on the Ramstein Northside Fitness Center and their hours of operations, call 480-8085.