Fitness Center expansion brings in more customers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Keith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  The recent expansion of the Mathis Fitness Center here, which took place as part of the Air Force's Fit to Fight initiative, has helped increase the number of patrons who visit the gym regularly.

The expansion, which opened last month, includes more than 15,000 square feet of space and 142 pieces of new exercise equipment.

"We were able to add back a racquetball court, double the size of our Spin Room, expand our stretching room and add another multipurpose room for squadrons to do group exercise or have additional fitness classes in," said Martin Littlefield, Chief of Fitness and Sports at the fitness center.

Most of the new exercise equipment is in a new showcase room, which houses cardio machines, free weights and selectorized weights, that dwarfs the center's original cardio room.

"The feedback we have received is very positive," Mr. Littlefield said. "Customers like having all the equipment in one showcase room instead of having to go from room to room."

Since the expansion, approximately 700 servicemembers and civilians visit the gym on any given day, Mr. Littlefield added. This is an increase of 100 customers a day compared to the 600 customers the center usually received before construction began.

Tech. Sgt. David Lukas, the NCO in charge of the Wing Commander's Action Group, said he enjoys the new showcase room.

"It has a lot of variety, which inspires me to work-out even harder," he said. "If I get tired of one machine, I can easily find something else that will allow me to exercise just as effectively, in a different way."

Master Sgt. Rick Kawas, the Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, agreed.

"I like that there are a number of machines tailored to certain areas so that there is much less wait-time," Sergeant Kawas said. "This is one of the best gyms I have seen in my 17-year career."

Mr. Littlefield said despite the positive feedback, the gym is still not regulation size for the base population.

He said the expansion addressed some of the problem, and another 15,000 square feet needs to be added to the facility.

"The requirement has been identified," Mr. Littlefield added. "Now we are awaiting funding."