Holloman Inn expands fitness center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica Salgado
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  As part of the ongoing series of quality of life initiatives, a workout room at the Holloman Inn will now be available between the hours of 11 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accommodate shift workers who wish to be physically active.

The Holloman Inn will convert one large suite into a workout room in order to expand turn the three bedroom suite into a mini-gym. This room will consist of borrowed equipment from the Fitness Center along with televisions, mirrors, and security systems. The wing has set aside $75,000 to jump start this project.

"There is a significant focus on the Fit to Fight concept and to have this type of access is something the wing leadership wanted to explore," said Capt. Brett Dorey, sustainment services flight commander, 49th Force Support Squadron.

According to Airman Cory Smith, 49th Security Forces Squadron, if changes to the base fitness center were possible, then he would be able to maintain his physical fitness routine on his own time. Because of his work schedule, the gym is closed when he is released from duty.

Because of the new initiative, Airman Smith said he will now have more time to relax after his twelve-hour shift, and feels he will be more focused and alert, as well as have more time to spend studying his career development courses.

Once the initiative is complete, anyone with a valid Department of Defense ID card will be able to use the facility after 11 p.m. all the way until 4:30 a.m. seven days a week.

The available equipment that can be used during these hours include dumbbells, multifunctional resistance machines and bench presses to help improve muscle conditioning and core exercises.

Airman 1st Class Jocelyn Ackles, 49th Security Forces Squadron, enjoys working out at night because it's more convenient. "In Kuwait, there was a 24 hour fitness gym and I would always go around 2 a.m. in the morning. If the gym was open all day, then waking up earlier than necessary to complete physical training requirements wouldn't be an issue," she said.

According to Captain Dorey, if this initiative is successful, the sustainment services team plans to extend the hours of the Fitness Center. If the customer flow doesn't show growth, then the workout room will convert back into the original lodging room.

"This is a test phase," said Captain Dorey. "This is the easiest way to explore this initiative without significantly altering our manning structure and the mission within our unit."

For more information, call the assistant lodging manager at 575-572-3311.