No excuses: Fitness center has something for everyone

December 5, 1997
Originally published by Fairchild Connection (Fairchild AFB, WA)

With winter upon us, base personnel are fighting both inclement weather and supposed inactivity.

TSgt. Marty Ford, director of the base fitness center, implores people to shake their lethargy.

"There's tons to do, not only on base but in the surrounding area, Anytime people say there's nothing to do, they need to take a closer look at the recreation that's available year-round--like mountain biking, fishing, boating, skiing, camping and hiking," said Ford.

The winter activities that are underway are the men's and women's varsity basketball teams to play in Spokane's downtown city league; intramural basketball, which began Nov. 24; the over-30 intramural league which began on the same date; and the sports banquet which honors Fairchild's male and female athlete of the year Dec. 16.

Ford noted that he expects the center to see increased activity next month. "Everyone starts out the year with their resolutions," he said.

The main center includes a fully equipped weight training room, four racquetball courts, a full basketball court, an indoor running track, assorted cardiovascular equipment, an aerobics exercise room, a pickleball court and an indoor pool next door.

An interesting addition to the center is the rock-climbing simulator machine, which is built like a mini-wall and has strategic "rocks" placed for a climb-up challenge. "The beauty is, you don't have to know how to rock climb to use it," Ford said. "It just takes agility and endurance."

Two people on the fitness center staff, SrA. Bryan Shipman and SSgt. Valerie Qualls, were recently qualified to become staff personal trainers at Cooper's Institute for Aerobics in Dallas, according to Ford.

"All Air Force personnel in recreation go there to get certified in the two week course," said Ford. The facility's commander is retired Col. Kenneth Cooper. "He was one of the first to initiate a buzzword for aerobics and fitness here," added Ford.

Ford added that people who choose recreation aren't necessarily limited to the main center. For those who have early or late duty hours or want a less crowded workout area, the fitness center annex is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is located in Building 2065 at 801 South Taxiway G. Road, near the security forces station.

"The fitness center annex works out well for people who have hours that don't allow them to come over here to the main center and work out a lot, or who like to work out in quiet," said Ford.

"Anybody who claims there's nothing to do, come talk to me and I'll find something," he added. "With all the stuff you can do in the winter, there's no reason not to be bored."