Get in shape in your own backyard

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  I don't have time. The membership fees are outrageous. It's too far of a drive. I have no one to go with.

These may be some of the things you tell yourself to keep from working out, but at Goodfellow you may need a better excuse. Look around, everything needed to get in shape is in your own backyard; well not literally, but there are two free places to work out here, so inconvenience and high costs are not sensible excuses.

Carswell Fieldhouse is located off Farrow Street and Kearney Boulevard in Building 340. Mathis Fitness Center is located off Texan Street and Ft. Griffin Avenue in Building 140. Use of both facilities is free for active duty, retirees, family members, civilian and non-appropriated fund employees. In addition to free weights, cardio and nautilus equipment, both offer fitness classes.

"These classes offer a fun way to get a cardio workout," said Ernie Rudd, 17th Force Support Squadron fitness director. "A lot of people want to go out and get healthy, but find it hard to self-motivate; plus, it's hard to keep at something if you don't enjoy it."

Mr. Rudd said the majority of the classes offered at both facilities have a direct impact on getting people ready for the new Air Force physical training test standard, too.

"Our fitness classes offer an enhancement for people who are struggling to pass their test," Mr. Rudd said. "If they need a boost to pass the test, they should participate in some of our classes."

For example, the power abs class prepares people for the sit-up portion of the test by focusing on core strength. Many of the other classes train people for the run portion of the test with cardio conditioning.

But the classes aren't just for those getting ready to test. Mr. Rudd encourages anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle to join a class.

"It's easier to stay healthy if you find a niche in what you like to do," Mr. Rudd said. "Our structured group settings let people exercise in a fun environment with their peers."

CLASSES OFFERED AT THE CARSWELL FIELDHOUSE INCLUDE:
  • Boot camp - Mondays and Fridays at 11:45 a.m. Boot camp offers intense condition drills and exercises to enhance and improve overall physical fitness level.
  • Circuit training - Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Circuit training targets each muscle group improving overall physique.
  • Hour abs - Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Hour abs uses core stabilizing drills and exercises to strengthen the entire core.
  • Pilates - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:45 p.m. Pilate offers stress relief as well as a workout for a strong core and lean muscles.
  • Power abs - Tuesdays through Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. Uses concentrated core strengthening movements to improve core strength.
  • Power yoga - Mondays at 11:15 a.m. Yoga uses posing and meditation practices for stress relief.
  • Zumba - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 a.m., and Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m. Zumba uses choreographed Latin dance for a fun and innovative way to get in shape.
CLASSES HELD AT THE MATHIS FITNESS CENTER INCLUDE:
  • Indoor cycle - Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Indoor cycling is a cardio conditioning class.
  • Equipment orientation - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m . Learn how to properly use equipment at Mathis and determine personal seat and weight settings.

A new fitness program, Walk for Independence, begins July 1. Participants will receive a pedometer to track their steps. The top three people with the most steps each week will receive a prize.

Carswell Fieldhouse is open from 5:30 - 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekdays, and closed on weekends and holidays.

Mathis Fitness Center is open weekdays from 4:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.