Bellamy Fitness Center to begin 24/7 accessibility

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth's Bellamy Fitness center will begin to offer 24/7 access July 1 in an effort to better accommodate Airmen and civilians whose work schedules conflict with the facilities' s current hours of operation.

This access is part of an initiative launched by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and is now available at all state-side bases at the commander's discretion.

Rick Ives, 28th Force Support Squadron Bellamy Fitness Center director, explained that this gym program is based on mission requirements and utilization rates.

"Forty-four CONUS installations will implement this gym access between now and Sept. 30," Ives said. "The feedback from the bases who have implemented this program has been very positive [so far]."

During extended hours, gym access will be limited, and will not include the pool, family room, saunas and steam rooms, as they are considered high-risk areas.

Ives urges all patrons to keep safety in mind especially while utilizing the gym outside of normal hours of operation, as the gym will not be staffed during these times.

"I hope to see our maintainers, security forces and 432nd Attack Squadron members utilize this great feature we are adding to our gym," Ives explained. "I think it is going to work out very well, and we are excited to provide it."

An Airman from the 432nd ATKS explained that, because of their schedule, it can be hard to make it to the gym during normal hours of operation.

"[Having] 24/7 gym access would allow us to get an exercise routine going no matter what shift we are on," he said. "It's more beneficial than occasionally going to the gym on our weekend or when we have the energy."

According to the Airman, members of the 432nd ATKS can often spend hours at a time in the same position during operations, and having the ability to go to the gym during their off-hours will offer many benefits.

"I am very excited for the increased gym access to begin," he said. "I think we'll be able to create an exercise routine for our Airmen, allowing us to increase our job performance while maintaining and excelling [in] physical training ..." 

Having around-the-clock access to the gym will benefit not only fitness levels, but also squadron morale, he said.

"I am an active runner and weight lifter," he said. "I love the gym and I think everyone will benefit from the new gym hours. Not only will they have easier access to a healthy lifestyle, but they will have better energy levels at home and work."

Everyone who has a Department of Defense ID card is eligible to receive 24/7 gym usage and can register at the fitness center counter. Patrons must have an access card before they can utilize this new service.

For more information, visit the Bellamy Fitness Center front desk.