Five-star facility receives upgrades

Airman 1st Class William Waitman, 7th Force Support Squadron, exercises on new equipment in the fitness center Nov. 3, 2011, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The fitness center underwent renovation which includes new weights and 34 exercise machines, estimated at over $184,000. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson/Released)

Published Nov. 8, 2011
By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Just when you thought a five-star facility can't get any better, the Dyess Fitness Center received more than $184,000 worth of new equipment.

The fitness center received more than 600 pieces of new equipment and is still awaiting the arrival of dumb bells and weight benches.

"The new equipment allows users to work an array of smaller muscles that the old equipment didn't offer," said 2nd Lt. Joshua Pratt, 7th Force Support Squadron chief of sports and fitness. "The new machines are a big improvement."

The old equipment was more than five years old, but in good shape due to the help of yearly maintenance on the machines.

"We received all new weight machines to help improve arm, leg and chest strength," Pratt said. "If Team Dyess utilizes the new machines it will definitely help increase their fitness level."

The Air Force gives all fitness equipment a life expectancy of five years added Pratt.

The fitness center did away with repeated and unused equipment and replaced it with more frequently used machines.

Along with the weight equipment, they received the Total Resistance Exercise Suspension Trainer, which helps build power, strength, flexibility, balance and mobility.

"This is a state-of-the-art facility that has a multitude of options to improve your fitness ranging from aerobics classes to weights and great cardio machines," Pratt said.

The old equipment was sent to the command post, fire department and other authorized places on base.

In 2010, Dyess won best Air Combat Command Fitness and Sport Program of the Year.

Dyess Fitness is open 4 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. For more information, call the fitness center at (325) 696-4306.