Ramstein fitness centers are ‘5-star’

Ramstein fitness centers recently achieved a “5-Star” rating from inspectors at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Fitness centers undergo an annual “5-Star” inspection to see if Air Force standards are achieved, with the goal of ensuring that facilities and staff represent the premier class of fitness centers.
The 5-Star Fitness Center Inspection looks at operations, programs, training, facilities, and customer service. Ramstein received 100 percent ratings in the first four parameters, and scored highly in customer service as well.

Ramstein has three facilities that were involved in the 5-Star inspection. The Northside Fitness Center, Southside Fitness Center and Southside Fitness Center Annex were recently examined to see if they made the grade.
For operations, the inspection parameters included minimum hours of operation, equipment replacement plans, and contract evaluations.

In the programs category, the fitness centers exceeded the standards. Because Ramstein is considered a large base by AFI 34-226, fitness centers are required to provide 15 group exercise classes per week. The current aerobic schedule allows for more than 30 group exercise classes. Ramstein fitness centers also offer a number of incentive and special events programs, such as “Walk/Run Across Germany” and “Child/Parent 5K run.”

Training was another area examined in the 5- Star inspection. All fitness center staff, including personal trainers, group fitness class instructors and massage therapists are required to be CPR/AED and First Aid Certified. Currently seven staff members are certified personal trainers, and three staff members hold special training certifications for indoor cycling training and yoga instruction.

All three facilities were inspected in the areas of safety, cleaning and sanitation, repairs and enhanced amenities. The recent addition of the 57,000-square-foot Southside Fitness Center added both beauty and functionality to Ramstein. Amenities throughout the three facilities include surveillance system, juice bars, child-parent fitness area and resale shop.
The final area was customer service. Ramstein fitness centers fared well on the Air Force Customer Service Survey with an overall satisfaction score of 4.07 on a 5.00 scale. By providing educational material and posting proper guidance and policy factors throughout the facilities, the final “star” of the 5-Star rating was achieved.

Ramstein joins Spangdahlem, Mildenhall and Lakenheath as USAFE 5-Star Fitness Centers.