Select Fitness Centers open earlier for Active Duty PT, DoD cardholders

Photo By Sgt. Summer Keiser | Pfc. Carrera Javier, a motor transport operator assigned to the 83rd Chemical Battalion, wipes down gym equipment after exercising at the Newman Fitness Center at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2020. Soldiers are entrusted to sanitize equipment after each use in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (U.S. Army Photo by Pvt. Summer Keiser, 50th PAD)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

08.18.2020

Story by Pvt. Summer Keiser 

50th Public Affairs Detachment

The Jordan Fitness Center and Newman Fitness Center have reopened for all authorized Department of Defense ID cardholders starting Aug 3. Active duty personnel have a designated time of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for physical training with limited capacity. The fitness centers are open to other DoD cardholders from 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m.

With the gyms opening back up, Soldiers can exercise as a unit and build cohesion, said Lt. Col. Chad Moniz, the Army Field Support Battalion commander.

In order to protect patrons, social distancing and extra cleaning procedures have been implemented in the fitness centers.

Maj. Barry Farmer, executive officer of AFSBN, said people should not be hesitant to work out at the gym during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You should be aware of the situation and the environment that we’re living in,” said Farmer, in reference to adjusting to COVID-19 precautions. “If it requires you to wear a mask, if it requires you to hand sanitize and wipe down your equipment, that alone should be sufficient.”

Spc. Jose Salcido, a petroleum supply specialist in 135th Quartermaster Company, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, said it is good that gyms are open during PT times with proper limitations in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Salcido has participated in two details for sanitizing gym equipment since select gyms opened earlier for PT this month. While monitoring room capacity, Salcido hands each Soldier a card reminding them to wipe down used equipment. He then enters the room after the Soldier has left and cleans equipment for further sanitation.

“Everything here is so clean,” said Maj. Aaron Holker, support operations officer for AFSBN. “I don’t know if it’s always been like this, or if it is just because of COVID-19, but I feel pretty safe here doing my workout.”

Maintaining physical readiness is a soldier’s responsibility regardless of the situational environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the tide goes back out, we’re gonna find out who’s not doing the work outs,” said Holker. “And, you know, we’re still going to have the Army Combat Fitness Test.”

-30-

• Date Taken: 08.18.2020
• Date Posted: 09.02.2020 14:59
• Story ID: 377313
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US