Vandenberg officially opens new fitness center

Testing new equipment

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Thomas Anastasio assistant director of the Vandenberg Fitness Center, demonstrates how the new treadmill works to Norm Marous, a retired chief master sergeant, here May 8. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, customers of the fitness center were given a tour of the new equipment available for use. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Shaw)

Commander applauds new fitness center

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Applauding the hard work that made the fitness center here a reality, Col. David Buck, the 30th Space Wing commander, speaks to Team V during the official ribbon cutting ceremony May 8. Following the ceremony, the fitness center was officially opened for business. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Shaw)

Job well done

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- During the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new fitness center here, Lt. Col. Jason Bush, the 30th Force Support Squadron commander, thanks those that made its construction possible. Following the May 8 ceremony, the new fitness center was officially opened. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Heather Shaw)

Published May 8, 2009
By Staff Report
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A new $15.5 million, 51,000 square-foot fitness center, four years in the making, officially opened its doors during a ribbon cutting ceremony here May 8.

Col. David Buck, the 30th Space Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.

"Our lives are built on balancing four important factors," Colonel Buck said. "Those four things are work, family, spirituality and fitness; and fitness, to me, is very important."

The new facility features a 20,000 square-foot gymnasium, a 9,000 square-foot weight and cardio room, more than 20 private shower stalls and hundreds of free daily-use lockers.

Inside the facility, visitors will find an array of brand-new exercise equipment to include over $460,000 of cardio machines, $60,000 of weight training equipment and a $40,000 entertainment system.

Gym-goers can visit the new Healthy Palate Corner, an all-in-one smoothie and sandwich bar, managed by a professional nutritionist. Patrons can also take advantage of the new massage therapy room.

"I have always believed that if you give your people the right facilities and equipment, then there is nothing they can't do," Colonel Buck said.

The opening ceremony followed a three-week trial period, which allowed Airmen to try out the new facility.