Kalsu gym prepares for New Year's resolutions

Photo By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky | Soldiers will be able to challenge themselves and each other Christmas day when the Forward Operating Base Kalsu gym offers a bench press competition. Other activities including a 10K run are also scheduled for Soldiers. Knowing that many Soldiers may make resolutions to get fitter for New Year's, the gym staff is working on expanding and offering more options for Soldiers.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

12.20.2007

Story by Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – As New Year's approaches, many people form resolutions on self-improvement. A common goal is hitting the gym, dropping a few pounds and looking better.

Although New Year's is still a few weeks away, the Forward Operating Base Kalsu gym, a.k.a. "the Kal-zoo," is already offering Soldiers a way to bring out their inner animal.

The gym features a variety of free weights, machine weights and cardio equipment like row machines, treadmills and steppers and exercise aids like exercise balls, exercise mats, jump ropes and weight belts. The gym staff is hoping to add even more gear.

Dale Robinson, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinator on FOB Kalsu, said he plans to begin incorporating gym improvements in January.

One big change is improving the cardio room, he said. Currently the room is housed in an adjacent tent connected to the gym via a wooden hallway. Robinson said plans are in the works to replace the tent with a solid building.

The exterior is not the only thing to change. He said he is working to secure more treadmills for Soldiers, as the current five are not enough to meet user demand. He also said he plans to add s to the cardio room to give Soldiers something to take their mind off the rigors of their workout.

The addition of TVs will increase the number of programs available to Soldiers, as they will be able to watch workout and aerobics videos, added Robinson.

He hopes to start up a martial arts program in the future as well, similar to the one run by the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, who were stationed at Kalsu before redeploying in November. Robinson said he is working to find instructors and has found a few potential volunteers. He hopes to start the program in January.

While many programs and improvements are planned for the future, the present is also packed with activities. Robinson said currently there are basketball and flag football leagues and several weight lifting and fitness competitions scheduled for Christmas Day, including the 10K "Jingle Bell Run," a bench press competition and a strongman competition.

For these current activities, Soldiers don't have to wait until New Year's to begin their new fitness goals. The gym is open 24 hours a day to accommodate all Soldiers no matter what shift they work.

One Soldier who takes full advantage of the gym is Spc. Ryan Davenport, and unmanned aerial vehicle operator with Company A, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Davenport, a native of Port Allegheny, Pa., said he works out twice a day, before and after his shift, performing cardio in the morning and weight training in the evening.

In addition to working out to get in better shape, he also said it helps him blow off steam and reduce stress.

To help even more Soldiers like Davenport reduce their waistline and stress, plans for a second gym at Kalsu are in the works.

• Date Taken: 12.20.2007
• Date Posted: 12.20.2007 15:05
• Story ID: 14892
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ