Around-the-clock fitness at Ramstein

The Air Force mission runs 24 hours a day, but not every base service does the same. That is about to change as the Ramstein Northside Fitness Center plans to modify its hours.

Starting Jan. 1, the fitness center will be open from 4 a.m. Monday to midnight Friday.

“The Air Force started an initiative about a year ago to have fitness centers open 24/7,” said Maj. Michelle Tarkowski, 786th Force Support Squadron commander. “Unfortunately, we haven’t received the funding yet to implement that fitness access program, but we had a lot of customers in Ramstein and the KMC who expressed interest in being able to work out during evening hours. To fulfill those needs we decided to extend the Northside Fitness Center’s hours during the work week.”

The fitness center being open all day provides Airmen more flexibility with their workout routines, especially for those who work different shifts. It’s not only available to military members; anyone who is an ID card holder can take advantage of the 24/5 program.

“This sounds like a great idea,” said Airman 1st Class Alex Boutwell, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic. “People in my shop work swing and night shifts, which makes it hard to get a workout in when the gym closes at 11. Sometimes I fall asleep after work, and by the time I get up, I don’t have enough time to work out. It will be nice to have it open longer.”

Though the fitness center will be open longer, not all the areas will be available. The weight room, racquet ball courts, locker rooms and parent-child play area will be closed.

“People will still have access to a lot of equipment,” said Isaac Melendez, 786th Force Support Squadron Northside Fitness Center director. “The main fitness lobby will be open, along with the two bathrooms in the front lobby. They can utilize the resistance weight equipment, cardio machines and free weights.

“People love to workout, and I think this a great idea for those who can’t come to the fitness center because of their schedule,” he continued. “They’re going to have more time to workout, and it’s not going to be as crowded. The public should be very excited … our staff is already excited about this new transformation.”

For more information on the Ramstein Northside Fitness Center and its hours of operation, call 480-8085.