Customer questions on new gym answered, part II

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Editor's Note: This is the second part of an article that ran in the Sept. 14 Hansconian regarding new Fitness and Sports Center policies and facility information. 

As customers continue to flock to the new Fitness and Sports Center in large numbers, they are bringing with them more than their gym bags -- they're bringing questions about the new facility and its usage policies as well. 

Additionally, some patrons have notified fitness center staff members about aspects of the facility they would like improved and the staff is listening. 

"Moving into the new fitness center is like moving into a new house or buying a new car. We need to live in it for a while or drive it to work a few times to find out all the quirks," said Terry Hathaway, 66th Services Squadron Combat Flight chief. 

"We will continue to work issues as they arise, although please understand we can't fix everything overnight. Meanwhile, enjoy this great facility," she said. 

Ms. Hathaway reminded customers that the fitness center is open Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

"If you haven't been in the facility after dark, I encourage you to do so. The center is less busy at 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and the long hallway is wonderful at night," she said. 

Ms. Hathaway provided these additional customer questions and Fitness and Sports Center staff answers regarding gym usage.

Question: When will the men's and women's steam rooms and saunas be operational? 
Answer: The steam rooms and saunas are still being worked on. An opening date will be available in next week's Hansconian. The contractor is working some late hours to get the job done and get it done properly. 

Question: Why is the fitness center door leading to Marrett Street locked and not available for use? 
Answer: The door leading to Marrett Street is a fire exit door. The Fitness and Sports Center's main entrance has two doors that allow access from either the bowling facility parking area or the parking area behind the Library and Outdoor Recreation. Security and access control are the main reasons for having one main entrance way leading to the customer service counter. Staff members are better able to control facility access. 

Question: Where can I hang coats and garment bags when I'm in the locker room. Answer: Coat racks have been ordered for the men's, women's and Family Fitness areas. Once they arrive, they will be installed immediately. 

Question: What happened to the LifeFitness Circuit Training System? Are they going to be replaced? 
Answer: Since we purchased this system in 1996, it has been a valuable strength training tool for our patrons. Unfortunately, the LifeFitness Circuit Training System was discontinued as a commercial product in 1998 and parts are hard to obtain. Fitness and Sports Center staff members have worked hard to keep the equipment operational, but with replacement parts scarce and expensive, it is now no longer economically feasible to maintain the units. We have set up a 12-piece weight training circuit in the cardiovascular room to replace the LifeFitness System. In addition, on the second floor, 12 new free weight machines have been added. The staff will gladly show any patron how to use any of the fitness equipment.

Question: What is the locker policy? 
Answer: All lockers are for daily use with the exception of a few lockers in the Distinguished Visitor locker rooms. The Fitness and Sports Center recommends that patrons bring a lock to lock up their valuables. The fitness center has a few locks that can be signed out for daily use. 

Question: The locker rooms and the free weight room on the second floor are hot. Why is this condition present with a new building and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system? 
Answer: We are very much aware of the issue. The building contractor, the Army Corps of Engineers project manager, and the Del-Jen, Inc., HVAC technician are working the issue. Until the problem is solved, we have placed floor fans in all the areas to assist in the air flow. 

Question: Why are children restricted from using the equipment at the fitness center? Answer: The following age restrictions are listed in Air Force Instruction 34-266, Air Force Fitness and Sports Programs Table 1.1: 
16 years of age and over: Unrestricted use of all Fitness Center facilities and equipment. Children do not need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 
13 to 15 years of age: Use of Cardiovascular Equipment and Weight Rooms requires interactive supervision from a parent, legal guardian or Youth Program staff member or coach. (Interactive supervision requires adult and child to perform activity together at all times.) Other areas to include the basketball court, racquetball court, etc., have no restrictive use policies. 
6 to 12 years of age: Access is prohibited to all cardiovascular and weight equipment and group exercise rooms. Other activity areas to include basketball courts, racquetball courts and the running track require interactive supervision from an adult at all times. Under 6 years of age: Not allowed in the Fitness and Sports Center with the exception of the Family Fitness Room and those children who are participating in a supervised sporting or special event. "Age limitations are established to ensure a safe environment for all Fitness Center customers. Medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association provide specific guidelines for youth fitness programs. The Air Force standard has been developed to be consistent with these guidelines," the AFI states. Fitness and Sports Center patrons who would like to make a suggestion or inquiry about the new facility are encouraged to do so. Comments or suggestions can be submitted at the front desk inside the Fitness and Sports Center.