New joint fitness center wows visitors

  • Published
  • By Cristina Oxtra
  • 934th Services
Minneapolis-St. Paul --  Since it opened its doors for business Sept. 4, the new and improved fitness center has left all who set foot in it simply awe struck.
Dale Prell, assistant chief of Air Force Reserve Command Services, along with other AFRC representatives, local civic leaders and wing members attended the center's ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 6. 

"The new fitness center is a great facility, one of the best in the command," Prell said. He added that the center gives those who work on base "the facility they deserve."
At an Open House Sept. 7, an estimated 135 visitors toured the facility, received giveaways and enjoyed free drinks and snacks. Some even got a free massage from the center's masseuse. The fitness center staff and a company representative were on hand to show visitors how to use the new equipment.
Everyone marveled at what they saw. 

"The new fitness center is beautiful! The machines are great and the new treadmills have fans. I know that sounds silly, but they're really nice when you're working out!" said Janell Harwell, 934th Communication Flight. "I love the new gymnasium and the large locker rooms." 

The fitness center, located in Bldg. 777, the same site as the old one, is more than three times its previous size. At 24,000 square feet and a cost of $4.7 million, it now houses state-of-the-art cardio and weight training machines, flat-screen TVs in the cardio/weight room, free weights, an NCAA-sized basketball court with bleachers, a resurfaced racquetball court, more locker room space and additional showers. 

"This fitness center is on par or better than any off base facility I've ever seen...period," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 934th Airlift Wing commander.
Fitness center manager Ronna Puck said the fitness facility has come a long way and she and her staff are proud of what it has become today.
"I have been working in MWR, then Services as a reservist and as a civilian since 1985. Back then, we had a small office space, two softball fields, a tennis court and played volleyball in a hangar when there weren't any planes in it. We only had MWR events on the UTAs. We didn't have an actual fitness facility of our own until 1999, and because of funding, it was limited in size. But our customers still appreciated what we accomplished, with what we had to offer," Puck said. "It is really satisfying to me to finally give our military members and their families, retirees, and civilians a facility that can meet their needs, and for me and my staff to be able to work in a facility that has everything we need to utilize our skills and training." 

The fitness center staff plans to offer indoor cycling also known as spinning, group circuit training, aerobics, martial arts, core exercise, basketball, volleyball and racquetball competitions and intramural sports. A multipurpose room will be used to conduct health and wellness classes, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and training for the Air Force Fit to Fight program. Personal fitness training as well as Swedish, sports and rehabilitative massage will be available by appointment.