Westside Fitness Center to reopen, soon to be 24 hours

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jennifer Amato
  • 377th Force Support Squadron
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  After a two-year closure, the Westside Fitness Center will reopen its doors April 6.

The gym is in Building 585 just north of the intersection of Eileen Street and Aberdeen Avenue, will be open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Later in the spring, the gym will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It will be a great boost for members of Team Kirtland who work odd shifts, like aircrew, maintainers and security forces", said Steve Bowlin, Fitness Center director.

Authorized personnel who desire after-hours access to the facility will be required to sign a user agreement and statement of understanding, which registers their common access card for use with the specially installed CAC readers.

"Fitness centers are an important tool to promote resiliency, health and wellness for our Airmen," Bowlin said. "At Kirtland we have thousands of dedicated people supporting uncommon missions. Creating more opportunities for stress relief makes a positive impact on a person's attitude toward work and life."

While 24-hour access comes with more risk, it is a good way to deliver benefits in a budget and manpower constrained Air Force, he said. There are surveillance cameras and periodic foot patrols by security forces to help secure the facilities as well.

The Eastside Fitness Center has opened its "Fit n' Play" room in the front of the facility, just past the men's locker room. This space is designed to accommodate parents of young children who need a safe zone for little ones to be while they exercise. Food is not allowed in the play area, but children may bring books and toys.

There were a few other changes at the gym as well. Cardio equipment was moved to the front of the building and the free weights were moved to the back. An electrical upgrade, which is in progress, will allow oversized treadmills and elliptical machines to be used in the former free weight zone. Doorways are wider in that area and airflow and ventilation is better.

"This facility is almost 75 years old and has served the base community since the 1940s," Bowlin said. "The layout is not ideal. Maintenance requirements are high and the cost to build a new facility is not supportable with current budget restrictions. So, we make the best of what we've got. Our goal is to maximize the existing floor plan by improving areas devoted to aerobic and muscular fitness, decreasing wasted space and making it easier for employees to assist customers, manage programs and repair equipment."