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Andersen AFB functional fitness gym helps Airmen grow into well-rounded athletes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  For those looking for an alternative way to workout, there's a specialized gym located near the Hot Spot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The functional fitness gym promotes a fit lifestyle for the total force community of Andersen AFB.  It also presents opportunities for community involvement and improvement events throughout the island of Guam.

"I enjoy the camaraderie of functional fitness," said Senior Airman Francisco Zapata-Rolon, 36th Munitions Squadron unit safety representative. "Even though we are all competing against each other, whether it's for time or rounds, we always help each other as athletes and motivate each other to finish."

Functional fitness incorporates elements from other workouts such as powerlifting, high-intensity interval training and Olympic weightlifting.

CrossFit-certified coaches on Andersen offer free training sessions to get people to a better state of fitness to anyone older than 16 with base access.

Considering fitness is a major aspect of being a resilient Airman, trainers push Airmen to get in the best shape possible for physical training tests.

"We try to get Airmen to use muscles they don't normally use and try to strengthen the muscles that they do use and make them faster and more limber so they can move more efficiently," said Master Sgt. Hector Nunez, 644th Combat Communications Squadron NCO in charge of plans and engineerings. "That helps with PT tests and general life health for anyone, whether they are male or female, younger or older. It helps them get to a better general physical preparedness."

There is a six-class program at the functional fitness center for people who are interested in trying out the gym but are worried about how difficult the workouts might be or if they aren't familiar with the exercises.

During the program, people learn the fundamentals and are helped through the movements. Once the program is finished, new members are allowed to work out with the regular classes, but trainers continue to keep an eye on them to track progress, making sure they're doing the movements correctly and making sure they are comfortable performing the exercises.

The functional fitness gym is open Monday through Friday from 5-6 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon, 5:15-6:15 p.m. There is a 9-10 a.m. class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For more information regarding classes and upcoming events, visit crossfitandersen.com.