JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
With fitness being a top priority in today's Air Force, one team of professionals stays hard at work to keep Team Charleston fit to fight.
The 628th Force Support Squadron Fitness and Sports Center staff, located in bldg. 225 at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, is a 15-member team, comprised of active-duty service members, reservists and civilians. Volunteers are also considered members of the team.
"Our first mission is to support the unit commanders fitness program or in other words help keep our customers 'Fit to Fight,' so they can accomplish the mission," said Master Sgt. Brenda McLain, 628th FSS Fitness and Sports Center superintendent. "We do this by providing the latest and greatest in fitness equipment."
Services
Recognized as being the best in Air Mobility Command six times in the past 15 years, JB Charleston's Fitness and Sport Center houses one of the Air Force's finest gyms.
"With more than 200 pieces of equipment at the gym and the various programs we offer, there's something for everyone here," said Staff Sgt. Kandra Truesdale, 628th FSS Fitness Assessment Cell program manager.
Each FSS Airman at the Fitness and Sports Center has been trained to operate all the equipment in the gym and can assist patrons whenever needed.
The Fitness and Sports Center has a full array of strength-training equipment and free weights. There are more than 75 cardiovascular exercise machines, such as treadmills, stair-steppers, cross-trainers and rowing machines.
Most of the equipment used in the gym can connect to FitLinxx. FitLinxx provides products to fitness facilities that support member success with interactive coaching on strength equipment, preset workouts on cardio equipment, and a system that connects facility staff with members.
These fitness tracking products are networked together, and the exercise data is sent to a web-based application, so members can get a complete view of their workouts, set goals, track progress and interact with facility staff. FitLinxx helps facilities increase membership and provide extra incentive to motivate members to keep coming back, according to Truesdale.
"Our customers are what make my day," said Truesdale. "Seeing them reach their goals and achieving results is a great satisfaction for me. Also, it's not bad wearing the blue polo shirt and khakis to work every day."
The staff also holds Fitness Equipment Orientations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
"These [Fitness Equipment] orientations give our customers a more in depth understanding of equipment and also offers safety tips for using them," said Tech. Sgt. Kayon Dickens, 628th FSS FAC program manager.
In addition to the all the services the Fitness and Sports Center provides, they also coordinate the intramural sports program and administer the Air Force physical training tests. The intramural sports program offers volleyball, softball, flag football, basketball, soccer, golf and bowling.
Programs
The Fitness and Sports Center also offers various programs to get you into shape:
· Salsa Dance Class; learn how to Salsa every Tuesday. Beginner's class is at 6 p.m. and Intermediate class is at 7 p.m.
· Cardio Mix; mix step, kickboxing, sports drills, interval training, weights and abdominal workouts. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
· Yoga/Pilates; this class will show you exercises for flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
· Martial Arts Isshin-Ryu Class; this class will stress mobility, natural stances, low kicks and an even mixture of hand and foot techniques. Classes are every Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m.
· The Big Spin with Geoff; this 60-minute cycling program is geared for anyone that can ride a bike. It is held every Wednesday at 6 a.m.
· Spinning with Marcus; this spinning-class is designed for all levels, including beginners. It is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m.
· Zumba; this program fuses latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program. This class meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call the Fitness and Sports Center for the times.
· Crossfit; this class is a great application for any committed individual regardless of experience. Classes are held Mondays through Fridays at 6 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. as well as Saturdays at 10 a.m.
"The core strength of the Air Base Fitness and Sports Center is our 25 certified Volunteer Fitness Instructors," said Steven Parrish, 628th FSS Fitness and Sports Center director. "These instructors donate their time and teach more than 56 exercise classes to more than 1,000 customers every week."
The hours of operations for the Fitness and Sports Center are 5 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Family Down Days are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We have an awesome and dedicated team at the Fitness and Sports Center," said Dickens. "We want to keep people motivated."
For more information on the JB Charleston - Air Base Fitness Center or any of the programs, call 963-3347.