Commando Fitness Center re-opens

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Pancho Garcia, a crew chief with 1st Special Operation Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and his wife, Crystal Garcia, do an abs workout at Commando Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field, Jan. 10, 2012. The Commando Fitness Center re-opened Jan. 3 after being closed for renovations for over a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers/ released)

Commando Fitness Center re-opens

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Gilbert Gonzalez, an instructor for 505th Training Squadron, works out at the Commando Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field, Jan. 10, 2012. The Commando Fitness Center was recently renovated upgrading the facility with new equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers/ released)

Commando Fitness Center re-opens

Published Jan. 12, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Commando Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field re-opened on Jan. 3 after being closed for renovations since December 2010.

Renovations sought to improve comfort and energy conservation included installing a new heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system and solar panels.

The solar panels are being used to power the building's boiler system, so we are using less electrical power and saving energy, said Master Sgt. Luis Fred, fitness NCOIC from 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron.

To improve functionality, the gymnasium floor and the racquetball courts were refinished and the old scoreboard was replaced. New cardio space and classroom were also created with re-organized space.

One of the new features in the cardio space is cable-ready TV monitors on the equipment, so while you are working out you can actually watch a TV show, Fred said.

All the weight room equipment was replaced and Kinesis machines were added to provide a resistance-type workout that allows users to choose different ranges of motion.
Cosmetic updates give the Commando a facelift with new floor and ceiling tiles, fresh paint, and a front desk area. Patrons can also appreciate remodeled bathrooms with new automatic plumbing fixtures and digital lockers for storage.

"I think it's more convenient because you know when this was closed Aderholt (Fitness Center) was packed," said Senior Airman Derrick Raley, fitness specialist from 1st SOFSS.

The Health and Wellness Center is scheduled to move back to its location at Commando Fitness Center by the end of February. Commando Fitness Center is open Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The re-opening of Commando will help ease congestion at the other base fitness centers during peak times throughout the day.

"We're just hoping to get our customers back," Fred said. "If you haven't been in here you definitely need to try it out."

For more information about Commando Fitness Center, contact 884-4412 or visit http://www.myhurlburt.com/fitness/index.html.