Fitness center: dedicated to a new you

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rose Richeson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  With the heat index creeping up on 120 degrees, Incirlik members may be searching for a heat stroke alternative when it comes to workout locations. For midday workouts out of the heat the fitness center is open close to 115 hours each week.

"We're here to provide base personnel an opportunity to get fit," said Staff Sgt. Jesus Mendoza, 39th Services Squadron Fitness Center noncommissioned officer in charge, "and not just the military members."

The Incirlik Fitness Center is available to all active duty, Department of Defense civilians and family members to include our host unit Turkish Air Force personnel.

Base residents can choose from multiple rooms in the center to include cardio, aerobic, weight and stretching, depending on their target workout. Racquetball and basketball courts can also accommodate fitness options and provide some fun to go along with all the hard work.

"Patrons use the equipment here so much that it wears out quickly and we're always looking to get new stuff in," said Sergeant Mendoza. "Our biggest complaint so far is 'why are so many people working out' so we must be on the right track to becoming a fit-to-fight unit."

In addition to individual workout sessions, the center offers multiple classes in a group setting with motivational instructors - step aerobics, cycling, Pilates and a brand new muscle fitness class to name a few. The muscle fitness class begins three days a week in August for $3 a session or $20 for the entire month. All classes are approved for Healthy Living Program credit except for Pilates and pre/post natal workouts.

With six fitness staff members and two certified personal trainers, base members can get specialized workout plans, enroll in programs or upcoming activities and get involved in community intramurals just by visiting the customer service counter.

"The last big event we hosted was the duathlon in which registrants participated in two-person teams to compete in a 10 kilometer bike and five kilometer race," said Airman 1st Class Hillary Arellano, 39th SVS Fitness Center staffer. "Members can rack up Extreme Summer points by participating in events and classes and could win big prizes."

U.S. Air Forces in Europe offers the Extreme Summer program across the major command and at Incirlik's Fitness Center members have the opportunity to earn points in one-, two- and three or more-day activities. One-day point options include participation in fun runs, three-on-three basketball and aerobics classes for 50 points. Two-day tournament involvement will score up to 100 points and partaking in three or more-day activities like some of the USAFE sports clinics or training camps will get you 150 points.
With all that working out, muscles may need time to relax and the fitness center has just the fix for tense, stressed bodies.

Incirlik personnel can treat themselves to an hour of aroma-therapy massage from one of the fitness center's licensed massage therapists. With more than 10 years experience, they offer aromatherapy massages with exotic oils designed to relieve stress and muscle pains.

"This is the first base I've seen with a massage therapist at the fitness center," said Tech. Sgt. Jenee Grant-Locke, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron Travel Management Office Personal Property noncommissioned officer in charge. "I go once a month for about an hour which is usually enough to alleviate my lower back pain."

Massage therapists are available Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. by appointment only. Prices range from $15 to $45 depending on the length of the session, but remember to carry small bills because the center cannot accept anything larger than increments of $20 or personal checks.

After the massage, you may want to hit up the new juice bar Elma Armut, which translates to Pear Apple, located downstairs in the Fitness Center at the far end of the hall. With different drinks like the functional mix, frozen mix, ice cream mix and dairy mix, patrons should be able to easily find a favorite.

Although the softball intramural season is about to conclude, new arrivals to the base can look forward to other upcoming fitness center-sponsored events including intramural football sign ups at the end of August and a half marathon to coincide with the Air Force marathon date in September.

The Incirlik Fitness Center hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on the center's programs and events, call 676-6086 or visit the customer service desk.