JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The 502nd Force Support Squadron Rambler Fitness Center provides military members, dependents, and ID cardholders with quality exercise equipment for everyday use and helps members maintain good physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
With the return of the Air Force physical fitness test, FSS is ensuring military members are mission-ready.
“Fitness is important because it helps you mentally, physically, and spiritually,” said Marlin Richardson, Air Education and Training Command chief of fitness and sports.
The Rambler Fitness Center was built in 2007 and named after Randolph’s former varsity football team, the Randolph Field Ramblers, which dates back to 1944. The gym includes more than 100 pieces of cardio equipment, 110 pieces of weight equipment, multiple courts and fields for various sports, group exercise rooms, a 200-meter indoor running track, a family room for children, personal trainers, and an outdoor track and exercise area.
Due to the COVID-19 limitations, the fitness center temporarily held off on group exercises and intramural sports programs. To keep members active, virtual programs were initiated to get families the support they needed from home.
“We offered a virtual half marathon and group exercise programs based around COVID-19,” Richardson said.
However, as health protection measures return to normal, more in-person programs will gradually become available again with the help and support of the FSS and its leadership.
“I’m excited the gyms are going back to normal, because staying in shape is how we get the mission done,” said Cameron Mathers, 902nd Security Forces member.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, physical activity can help individuals maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. For adults, the Surgeon General recommends two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or bicycling, every week.
“I go to the gym so I can protect the people that I am responsible for,” Mathers said. “Being fit means I can defend against threats that try to cause harm to this base or its people.”
The FSS continues to make sure members receive what they need to stay fit to fight.
“My goal and Vision for the Rambler Fitness Center is to stay on top of the latest fitness and sports trends and to ensure that I am able to provide the most innovative experience to our warfighters and their families,” Richardson said.
Rambler Fitness Center operates Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can be reached at 210-652-7263.