Fitness center annex brings new cardio room

  • Published
  • By Air Force Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  "With the weather being unfavorable at times, the 509th Force Support Squadron set out to find a way to alleviate overcrowding in the fitness center cardio room," said Michael Taylor, 509th FSS Fitness Center director, and Air Force Global Strike Command member.

The 509th FSS Fitness Center is opening the new Fitness Annex located in the Whiteman Community Activities Center as a solution. An official date of completion has not been released, but the annexed cardio room is available now for use.

The annex includes treadmills, cross-ramps, ellipticals, stationary bicycles, a stair-stepper, an adaptive motion trainer and a stretch trainer. The cardio room and equipment are free to use as it is an extension of the fitness center, according to Mr. Taylor.

"It offers a relaxed atmosphere without the noise of the weight room," Mr. Taylor said. "The group exercise room will be more of a private location compared to the classes offered in the fitness center's basketball courts."

Classes will also be offered through the annex. Contracts are currently being established with instructors to offer classes such as Zumba, yoga and pilates, and cardio kickboxing. Mr. Taylor said as classes become available, the CAC, Fitness Center and the Whiteman Connection will advertise supporting information. A minimal fee will be charged for aerobic classes to pay contracted instructors.

Mr. Taylor said there will be an opportunity for units to use the annex for unit physical training if times are open.
"The community center staff has embraced this new venture in their facility and look forward to the new addition augmenting their already outstanding programs," added Mr. Taylor.

Fitness center staff and CAC staff will join efforts in maintaining the annex.

"We are very excited to host the fitness annex and help with Team Whiteman's overall fitness," said Connie Koch, CAC director. "We are able to continue all CAC activities as well as welcome the added responsibility of the fitness annex."

Fitness center staff will work later hours, allowing the annex to be very accessible. Business hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., Saturdays. After attendance data is collected, hours will be altered accordingly, said Mr. Taylor.

"We welcome new faces and current patrons to visit and take advantage of the annex," Mrs. Koch said.