Fitness officials urge units to work together for group PT during winter Published Nov. 20, 2012 By Senior Master Sgt. Stuart Camp 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Fitness officials are asking units to work together as they predict heavy use in the two Scott AFB fitness centers as winter weather conditions drive more users indoors. When temperatures drop or when rain, snow or ice make it hazardous for outdoor physical training sessions, regular fitness center users may see more crowded conditions. The James Sports Center and the Fitness Center's heavy use time periods are 6-8 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. weekdays for unit-scheduled physical training sessions, so more groups may need to be creative when scheduling their PT sessions or adjust their times accordingly. "When it rains, it gets pretty packed in here with walk-ins," said Staff Sgt. Jarvis Robinson, 375th Force Support Squadron, Fitness Center NCOIC. "We encourage people to try to work around these peak time frames or find some other locations that might work just as well for group PT." For instance, the honor guard building has room to accommodate work outs when schedules permit and other units could consider sharing indoor alternatives such as offices, warehouses, or even hangar space if appropriate. "The Unit Fitness Program Monitors should be talking to each other and looking for ways to work around inclement weather conditions," he added. In the Fitness Center, there are three PT rooms for use: an aerobics room, spin bike classroom and a small stretching room just off the elevated track. Robinson said they can schedule each room for up to 30 minutes. To use the stationary spin bikes, a unit must have a certified instructor and deconflict PT times from scheduled classes. The Fitness Center also serves as the inclement weather site for the official Air Force cardio fitness assessments. If there is inclement weather, the track is closed for PT testing. "We can only test three people at a time; so the increased wait time can be frustrating," Robinson said. "We're working hard to communicate the work-arounds for everyone, so we can accomplish the PT testing and facilitate areas for group PT." Most units vie for a spot at the James Sports Center's basketball court, which may be reserved between the hours of 7-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m., however the peak times are normally booked well in advanced. UFPMs are responsible for making the reservations on behalf of the unit and reservations are taken on a quarterly basis, to ensure fairness and equal rotations for those desiring use of the group PT areas. The basketball court is the gym's only floor space that units can reserve for group PT. The staff has divided the floor into two spaces, so two different units can work out at the same time. However, units with more than 50 people can reserve the entire floor. Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Lockhart, James Sports Center NCOIC, said, "The basketball courts are reserved for 30 minute periods and each unit is limited to two reservations per week, so no one unit monopolizes the gym. However, if the space isn't reserved, it's first come, first served process." Since September, the five racquetball courts, formerly open for smaller-group PT sessions, have been closed for construction. Lockhart said renovations are slated through the end of February 2013. When they reopen, there will be three courts for racquetball players or groups of up to 20 and a brand new multi-purpose room available for use. In addition to group PT scheduling, fitness officials remind patrons to adhere to the 30-minute time limit rule to allow others access to the cardio equipment during peak times. During the holiday break, fitness center staff members will be installing new equipment and have asked for volunteers to assist. For more information, call the James Sports Center at 256-4524 or the Fitness Center at 256-1218.