Reasons for changes in gym hours Published Nov. 25, 2009 By Capt. Mary Danner 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- As of Nov. 2, the hours for Independence Hall changed from 24 hours to 4 a.m. - 11 p.m. The change was driven by three factors: safety, budgeting and manning. For safety reasons, the Air Force requires all fitness centers to be staffed with two trained individuals. Those individuals are required to assist individuals during medical emergencies, to watch for safety violations and to provide oversight of the facility, said Colonel John Boyle, 90th Mission Support Group commander. Previously, Independence Hall wasn't manned 24 hours, according to Lt. Col. Shelley Strong, 90th Force Support Squadron commander. Not being manned was a safety and regulation violation, causing the squadron to be written up during inspections. "We have an obligation to our customers to ensure their safety," Colonel Boyle added. Money also played a part in reducing the hours of Independence Hall. The base has the luxury of two fitness centers, but said Colonel Boyle, the base is only budgeted to operate one. "A tightening budget year has made it impossible to keep both centers open with extended hours. Limiting the hours of Independence Hall has allowed us to keep both centers open and to serve the majority needs of the base population." Additionally, the 90th FSS, the squadron responsible for the fitness centers, has been heavily tasked with deployments said Colonel Strong. Currently, the squadron is about 80 percent manned and even more Airmen from the squadron are slated to deploy. Reducing the hours of Independence Hall allows the squadron to staff both fitness centers as required while still supporting deployments, she added. "The decision to reduce the hours of Independence Hall wasn't taken lightly," said Colonel Gregory Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander. "The decision was reached after conducting a two-week facility use survey to determine what the right hours were to support the majority facility users." Colonel Tims added he and the group commanders work out early every morning, so they know first-hand how many people don't use the fitness centers in the wee hours. However, they see a significant increase in patron usage later in the morning, day and evening hours. The changed hours reflect those usage patterns, he said. While the base conducts a 24/7 mission, a 24-hour gym isn't mission essential. "The new fitness center hours still provide the opportunity for all individuals, regardless of shift, to work out on or off duty," said Colonel Boyle. Mid shift workers can work out during duty hours beginning at 4 a.m. or after their shift. Day shift workers can work out before, during or after shift and swing shift workers can fit in a work out before they report for duty or during duty hours. Manning and the base's high operations tempo has impacted many work centers around the base. If Airmen can't get away from their desk for a work out, they can still stay fit by using equipment readily available in their work centers. For example, a wall can be used for push-ups and squats. Technical orders or printed Air Force Instructions can provide resistance while doing trunk twists. A Pilates ball can replace a desk chair and chairs can aid in working out triceps, said Master Sgt. Antonio Guitron, 90th FSS. Independence and Freedom Hall now have the same hours, but the services offered at each vary slightly, Master Sgt. Guitron added. Independence Hall has an indoor track, cardio and nautilus equipment, free weights, and offers aerobics classes. Freedom Hall also has cardio and nautilus equipment and free weights but offers a full size basketball court and spinning classes. Additionally, Freedom Hall has personal trainers and is home of the health and wellness center. To learn more about using resources found in your work center to stay fit or for more information on services and classes offered at the fitness centers, call 773-2304. "Working out is full of personal preferences," said Colonel Boyle. "Both facilities have their pros and cons depending on the customer's fitness equipment requirements, desired services and atmosphere." The reduced hours keep both fitness centers open and allow users to choose the facility that best meets their needs.