Fitness center expands 24/7 access to more rooms

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abby L. Finkel
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Force Support Squadron fitness center will be extending its 24/7 operations to its other facilities at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, starting Feb.1.

Currently, only the aerobic and weight rooms are open 24/7. This expansion will open up other areas of the center such as the main basketball court, racquetball court and parent-child area for unlimited use.

To provide this service for families, preventative safety measures have been put in place to include a card entry system at the door and additional security cameras throughout the facility to ensure the safety of patrons after hours.

Common Access Card holders can have their card activated at the fitness center front desk to utilize the entry system. For patrons without a CAC, an alternative entry card is available.

"It's definitely going to enhance the fitness program," said Mark Geairn, 48th FSS fitness center director. "Now [patrons] don't have to rely on the fitness center to be open to utilize the facilities, equipment and supplies."

The change is part of an Air Force-wide initiative to give Airmen 24/7 access to fitness facilities around the globe.

"Really what it does is it gives flexibility to the Airmen and their family members," said Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto J. Rendon, 48th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant. "The services we provide here are really about readiness for our Airmen, and impact retention for our families."