Dyess Fitness Center implements 24/7 gym access

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Dyess Fitness Center introduced a 24-hour fitness access program May 13, to allow military members, dependents and retirees to have continuous gym access at their own convenience.

The new program is led through the Air Force Services Transformation Initiative, which has approved the fitness center to permit unsupervised facility usage after normal hours of operation.

Service members, dependents of authorized users, Department of Defense and non-appropriated fund civilians and military retirees are all eligible to be granted access to the fitness center after hours.

In order to take advantage of the program, Dyess patrons need to register their Common Access Cards at the front desk of the fitness center during normal operating hours. Dependents of authorized users, age 18 and older, and retirees must purchase a fitness access card for a one-time fee of $5. Common Access Cards and fitness access cards are loaded into a system, allowing members to enter the front door of the fitness center by swiping their card. Members are also required to sign a statement of understanding to acknowledge all rules and regulations.

"The biggest benefit we'll see is the accessibility for shift workers," said Staff Sgt. Theodore Cameron, 7th Force Support Squadron fitness operations manager. "We've had several shift workers come to register their cards, and they're very excited about having unlimited access to the gym. Some have paid for a monthly gym membership off-base beforehand, and this program will save them money."

Gene Hufford, 7th Security Forces civilian policeman and retired U.S. Army soldier, already registered his identification card and plans on utilizing the gym after hours.

"The 24-hour gym access is great for those of us who work 12-hour shifts," Hufford said. "It also gives active-duty members a better opportunity to stay in shape and prepare for physical fitness tests since some do work atypical hours."

Though the fitness center is accessible at any time, there are sections that are closed after hours with signs displayed notifying members these areas are locked.

The following fitness center rooms are accessible after hours:
· Cardio room
· Aerobic  room
· Spin room
· Free weights/cable weights
· Restrooms

The following areas are closed after hours:
· Locker rooms
· Family room
· Basketball court/indoor track
· Racquetball courts
· Functional fitness rooms

The Dyess Fitness Center hours have changed to open at 5 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. during the weekdays, and open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

"The reduced hours help our staff during times our manning is cut down due to deployments and other circumstances," Cameron said. "We now have the flexibility to change the manned hours enough to better support the mission and downrange contingency operations."

The Dyess Fitness Center requests members ensure the front door is properly secured when they enter and leave the facility for security purposes. Also, it's highly recommended to use the wingman/buddy concept while working out for safety and accountability.

For more information on the 24-hour fitness access program, please call the Dyess Fitness Center at (325) 696-3697 or (325) 696-4306.