Malmstrom's new 24/7 fitness center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  For some, keeping in shape while having a hectic work schedule can be a difficult task. For various military members, their work schedules can require them to work all night and sleep during the day. While all military members are held to a high standard in keeping physically fit, some have to find a different way to stay fit due to their work schedules.

To help these members have a better opportunity to meet the standards that apply to everyone, Malmstrom's Fitness Center recently implemented new policy that allows access to the main facility 24/7. This new policy is part of the Air Force's 24/7-Fitness Initiative, which has been implemented in bases across the globe.

The policy also applies to military dependents over the age of 18 and Department of Defense personnel, making it easier for everyone to stay physically fit.

"This is very helpful for those who like or have to workout at odd hours," said Staff Sgt. Jason Waddy, 341st Force Support Squadron fitness specialist. "I would much rather have our members get a full workout in than have to rush and not be able to. Customers can either get up earlier and do their full workout before work, or if they work in the middle of the night now they don't have to wait for the gym to open.

"There have been times when I have come in late and couldn't finish due to the gym closing, which is not a problem now," he continued. "The hours make getting fit much easier to fit into everyone's schedules, but more than that it is a moral boost. Just the fact that you can access the fitness center whenever you want makes people feel appreciated. I believe this will be an even bigger hit when the temperature starts to drop outside."

An access form must first be filled out for anyone wishing to benefit from this new schedule change. The form states the rules and safety protocols that pertain to 24-hour service and can be picked up at the fitness center's main desk. Once the form is returned to fitness center staff, members will receive a passcode for the west-side entrance to the facility, granting 24-hour access.

"Our mission here at Malmstrom has us out at all times of the day and night," said James Muscle, 341st FSS sports director. "This program really helps those people with odd hours maintain their fitness so they will be able to pass their fitness test. We are trying to provide every chance for these men and women to maintain their fitness when otherwise they would not be able to.

"Within three days of offering this we have already taken more than 250 registration forms," he continued. "We have been keeping track of how many people are using the facility after hours and the numbers have been exponentially increasing. By the times people have been notating, we can tell that the ones who are using this new system the most are people who either just get off right after we would have been closing or who have to get an early workout in before work. It's pretty awesome to see this work for the people who need it the most."

While many factors play a part in keeping the new 24/7 Fitness Initiative running smooth, the Malmstrom Fitness Center staff is dedicated to making it work for everyone. Every detail of the program has been reviewed with a fine-tooth comb and preparation has been key in its implementation.

"We hope everyone takes advantage of the fitness center's new 24/7 schedule," Muscle said. "If you're stressed, busy or everything in between, we hope this provides you with some relief and comfort knowing you can use this whenever you want."