Getting fit just got easier

Published Sept. 3, 2009
By Master Sgt. Bill Gomez
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Skelton Memorial Fitness Center will remain open 24 hours during the week and will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during weekends, holidays, goal days and family days.

The fitness center initiated a 24-hour weekday operating schedule to accommodate the fitness needs of Saber shift workers who are unable to use the facility during previous hours of operation. . The new schedule was implemented after a 60-day trial period, which ended Aug. 28.

The facility's staff members documented and analyzed a head count of the fitness center usage during this trial period to assess the effectiveness of the new schedule.

Mark Geairn, fitness center director, was pleasantly surprised by the patron attendance during the new hours. He noted a usage of 1,034 patrons during this time.

"We tried a similar 24-hour trial operation back in 2001, but it did not work out as well. Initially patrons used the facilities, but the usage died down after the first week. This time, we've had continuous use during the new hours, particularly Tuesdays through Fridays" Geairn said.

Geairn is extremely pleased with the new results, and his staff is prepared to provide 24-hour services for all patrons. His decision to take another look into round-the-clock weekday services was the result of customer suggestions, comment cards and feedback from the base's chiefs and First Sergeants.

"Extending the weekday operating schedule from 4 a.m. to midnight to 24 hours has had little to no impact on our Fitness staff, and the benefits outweigh the negatives. We have more time to get more things done and perform deep cleaning in all areas, and it seems to be a positive across the base for shift and night workers," Geairn added.

During weekends, holidays, goal and family days, the fitness center hours shifted from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. to 9 a.m.-7 p.m., again causing zero impact on the gym staff while meeting the needs of the fitness patrons. Through comments, feedback and headcounts, exercise enthusiasts preferred using the facilities during later hours on off-days.

The fitness center is currently the only fitness facility in U.S. Air Forces Europe to be awarded the 5 STAR award for five consecutive years. "This is the direct result of a highly trained staff offering great fitness programs. " Geairn explained.

Skelton Memorial is also the first fitness center in the Air Force to offer the "First Term Warrior" program that provides fitness assessments to newly arrived Airmen, and it is also the first facility to test special equipment for the wounded warriors and individuals in rehabilitation programs.

"I am real happy with the new fitness center hours," said avid fitness center patron Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Spradley assigned to the 52nd Civil Engineers Squadron, "I enjoy the options of getting an afternoon workout or a real early morning workout at 3 a.m. when it's less crowded."

"We are happy to provide services to show our Spangdahlem community we can meet their needs," Geairn said.

Feel the burn