Looking for action? It’s probably happening at Peterson Fitness Center

Published March 28, 2017
By Dave Smith, staff writer
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The odds are pretty good that if a personal pursuit or hobby is fitness related, it can be found at the Fitness Center on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

More than 40 classes, many of them at no cost, along with other services are available weekly at the center. To add to that number, there are 50-60 special events taking place annually and it’s no surprise there are between 2,000-2,500 users, on average, coming through the doors daily.

“This facility is awesome,” said Les Stewart, Fitness Center special programs director. “Why pay $100 or more a month downtown when you can come here?”

Peterson AFB is one of the few bases remaining in the Air Force to offer free aerobic and spinning classes, Stewart said. But even when there is a cost, it is not typically as high as off-base facilities would charge and services are comparable in quality.

“All of our instructors are certified in CPR, first aid, and meet Air Force guidelines,” said Stewart. “If anyone has questions about classes or how to use the equipment our staff can help answer them, show them how to use a machine or build a program to meet fitness goals.”

Along with the wide array of classes and activities, the center features many of the most popular machines and equipment for working out. Cardio and strength training machines, free weights, an indoor track, basketball/volleyball courts and even a rock climbing wall can be found within its walls.

Available classes include Tae Kwon Do, Functional Fitness, Total-Body Resistance Exercise, and Zumba. The most popular are aerobics & spinning, TRX and Zumba, he said. Some classes are added and others removed depending upon demand. Personal training services are available as well. Stewart said the rates are reasonable and personal training plans are matched to the patron’s schedule and availability.

“We are trying to do things the patrons want, like TRX,” Stewart said. “We try to keep offerings up-to-date by adding or improving them. We take customer suggestions too.”

People transition in and out of Peterson AFB and fitness trends frequently shift, he pointed out. To accommodate for this, some classes and programs that didn’t fare well at an earlier time can be brought back as patrons and popularity change.

For consistency and continuity’s sake, staff at the center tries to keep schedules as posted. Stewart said that allows someone who finds a class and time that fits their schedule to keep attending.

In addition to classes and equipment, the center offers many events throughout the year. Some events are the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response runs. Also, the upcoming Health & Fitness Expo brings 40 fitness-industry vendors to the base.

Two other special events run by center staff are the Armed Forces Run, which is unique because it is partly run on the flight line, and the Sports & Field Day pitting various squadrons on Peterson AFB against each other in a wide range of competitions.

In a testament to facility quality and professionalism of the staff, the Air Force women’s volleyball tryouts will take place at the center again in 2017. Stewart said tryout organizers were so pleased with the 2016 event they are coming back.

“They are the best volleyball players in the Air Force and you can see them right here,” he said. “There are so many avenues here and I want people to take advantage of what’s offered. We just want people to come in and enjoy the facility.”

For more information about activities and classes available at the Peterson Fitness Center, visit http://www.21fss.com/about/fitness-center/ or call (718) 556-4462.