Tinker satellite fitness center part of Air Force test concept Published Jan. 11, 2013 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It's not always easy or doable to get to a gym during normal operating hours. Soon, that will no longer be an issue at Tinker. Due to a year-long test concept, one of the installation's gyms, the satellite fitness center in Bldg. 3705, will soon be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officials said they hope to start the test in early February. "We hope it's successful. Our Airmen have diverse work schedules and a lot of them work different hours that don't allow them to work out when the gyms are open," said John Noble, 72nd Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services Flight chief. Tinker is one of six bases participating in the Air Force Services Transformation Initiative test concept. Other bases include Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Scott Air Force Base, Ill., F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., and Joint Base Andrews, Washington, D.C. Patrons interested in using the satellite fitness center after hours must meet certain criteria. They must be at least 18 years old and have an eligible Department of Defense identification card. Active duty members, dependents, retirees and civilians are able to use the service. Guests and under-age patrons are not allowed to use the facility when it is unmanned. Once the access system is in place, patrons interested in using the facility after hours must first register their ID card with staff at the facility and sign a statement of understanding acknowledging the rules of engagement. Patrons are highly encouraged to work out using the Wingman concept, officials said. The satellite fitness center has 26 cardio machines including treadmills, ellipticals, stair-steppers, spin bikes and stationary bicycles. It also has machine weights, but no free weights. During the test period, officials will monitor the utility cost increases, damage to the facility and equipment, theft, injuries or incidents and will ultimately determine the overall benefit of the program to the Air Force. During before- and after-hours, when staff isn't on hand, there will be security monitors, emergency capabilities and equipment available. This includes defibrillators, first-aid kits, phones with emergency-number lists and fire department access. Additionally, there are written standards for unsupervised use of the facility designed to help patrons understand safety requirements. If a piece of machinery should break while the facility is unmanned, there will be signs for patrons to fill out and put on the piece of equipment. "Our staff will still come every day and complete an opening and closing checklist," said Corie Wells, 72nd FSS fitness center director. "It will be manned throughout the day for maintenance." For more information, call 734-4664.