Northside gym to fully reopen

  • Published
  • By Gina Randall
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF Mildenhall, England --  With the holiday festivities over, most people are now thinking about keeping "fit to fight."

The 100th Force Support Squadron Northside Fitness Center partially reopened to help Team Mildenhall members get back into shape. Since Dec. 23, 2013, Airmen in the dormitories have enjoyed having easy access to a gym, which was one of the 100th FSS's priorities.

"Our aim is to provide superb customer service to Team Mildenhall by offering matchless opportunities to support the Air Force's year round fitness and sports initiatives, for both military members and families," said Master Sgt. Latosha Brown, 100th FSS Fitness and Sports section chief from Cedartown, Ga.

But for the past few months, people have had to make their way across the base to use the Hardstand Fitness Center due to the Northside gym being closed since Oct. 4, 2013.

The Northside Fitness Center has been closed to remove outdated carpet and vinyl wall coverings from the locker room and hallways and to receive fresh paint and new tile flooring to update the interior of the gym. The 100th FSS staff also took the opportunity to replace or repair light fixtures, doors and other small-building enhancements.

"It has provided a splendid atmosphere for our customers," Brown said. "Ultimately, our number one focus is our customers, however the upgrades created a more comfortable environment for our staff as well."

The partial reopening Dec. 23, 2013, enabled customers to have access to the cardio room, weight room and main gym floor. All other areas will remain closed while engineers continue work in the lockers rooms. There are portable toilets available for customers outside the building near the cardio room; but there will be no showers or locker rooms available until the official complete reopening.

"The 100th FSS would like to thank Team Mildenhall members for being very understanding and patient while we worked to enhance the fitness center," Brown said.

Even though the gym is not yet ready to be fully reopened, the staff is looking forward to people making use of the new gym. Whether it's people hoping to keep up with their fitness, or those hoping to get back on track after a break in their normal routine, the fitness center staff is looking forward to serving base members.

"We hope to continue influencing Team Mildenhall to lead a healthy lifestyle and enhance morale through a wide variety of fitness and sports programs," Brown said.

With the start of a New Year, the fitness center staff is hoping people will utilize the fitness center as part of their daily routine, so they have set their hours to suit most schedules.

The opening hours are:

Monday through Thursday 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Holidays, family days and goal days 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many people find it more effective to workout with others which is why the 100th FSS offers a variety of fitness classes.

"We currently offer spinning; high intensity interval training (HIIT); step aerobics; combat circuit; legs, bums and tums; core strengthening and cardio kick boxing," Brown said. "We are always actively finding ways to constantly enhance our programs. We also aim to keep our war fighters fit to fight in every component!"

The parent and child area room is in building 631. It will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the Northside Fitness Center completely reopens.

The Northside Fitness Center Grand Reopening will take place Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. In order to celebrate this occasion, the Northside Fitness Center will host a series of activities for Team Mildenhall Friday, Feb. 7. Activities will commence at 9 a.m. and they include:

- Dodgeball competition (Airmen Committed to Excellence, 5/6, Top 3 and Company Grade Officer Council)
- Volleyball (Chiefs vs. Eagles)
- 3-on-3 Basketball
- Racquetball competition
- Fitness records challenge (bench press, squats, unit push ups, unit sit ups)
- Health and Wellness Center nutritional information
- Fitness and relaxation consultation
- Prizes

To compete in any activity, please sign-up Jan. 15 through Feb. 5, 2014, at the Northside Fitness Center.

For more information contact the Northside Fitness Center at DSN 238-2349 or commercial at 01638-542349.