Pride Hangar new hot spot for PT

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Woolridge
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth personnel can soon shake up their normal physical fitness routine by visiting one of the new additions to the Pride Hangar.

Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, Col. Thomas Goulter, 28th Mission Support Group commander, and Maj. David Burnett, 28th Force Support Squadron commander, gathered with several Airmen and civilian employees to cut the ribbon for the rock climbing wall and exercise area, Dec. 19.

The $60,000 fitness area features weightlifting equipment, gymnast rings and monkey bars - among other things - to give Airmen an alternative to working out in the Bellamy Fitness Center.
"I think people will enjoy it," said Brandon Powers, Health and Wellness Center exercise physiologist. "It's a brand new facility and brand new equipment."

Not only will Airmen have the chance to increase their strength in the fitness area, they can also test their agility on the new rock climbing wall.

Carrie Brewer, 28th Force Support Squadron marketing director, said the wall will be open to Ellsworth active-duty personnel, reservists and Department of Defense civilians when conducting organized physical training sessions Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on holidays and down days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., when accompanied by at least one qualified climbing wall operator.

"Ideally we would like to get volunteers that are certified operators to help open the climbing wall Monday through Friday from 8 (a.m.) to 5 (p.m.)," Brewer added.

The wall will also be open to family members, retirees, as well as Airmen and civilian employees when not in an organized group PT session, with an advanced reservation and at a cost of $15 per hour with a group of one to five people, or $20 per hour with a group of six to 10 people.

Powers explained anyone interested in utilizing the Pride Hangar's exercise area must do so under the supervision of a physical training leader. PTLs will be able to attend training classes certifying them to check out the key to the area starting Jan. 7, 2013.

"PTLs will check the key out and reserve the room, and then their flight or squadron can come down and work out together," Powers said.

Powers added the fitness area will play a major role in adding new life to old workout routines.

"I think the impact on base will be great to have this around and give people someplace new to work out at," Powers said.

Brewer said Airmen and their families have wanted a rock climbing wall at Ellsworth for a while, and added now that it's finally here, PT may never be the same.

"The climbing wall will enhance the normal PT as another great way to improve fitness," Brewer said.

For more information about the rock climbing wall, or to register for a certified operator class, call Outdoor Recreation at (605) 385-2997.

For more information about the Pride Hangar fitness area, or to register for a training class, Airmen should contact their UFPM.