News

Cadet Fitness Center

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Academy cadets now have a state-of-the-art facility to work out with the grand opening of the new Cadet Fitness Center Wednesday.

The 50,000-square-foot center is an addition to the Cadet Gymnasium and is located on the west side of the building.

Academy leadership attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting and praised the new facility.

"I encourage you to take advantage of this new facility," said Brig. Gen. Richard Clark, commandant of cadets. "Athletics is fully engrained within the academic and military culture at the Academy. Now cadets will have room to spread out and enjoy modern fitness equipment to maintain their physical fitness."

The $9.5 million center was constructed due to the lack of workout space for the cadet population. The addition offers a large amount of space and includes a cybex room, climbing walls, cardio equipment, physical fitness testing room, weight room and a fencing center.

Clark said the gym was originally designed in the late 1950's for 2,200 male cadets.
"Many gym functions were operating in converted squash courts and modern training machines were squeezed into already constrained and poorly configured spaces."

Other improvements include upgraded locker rooms and a renovated swimming area.
"Construction for the center started one year and seven days ago," said Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Mike Gould. "Good fitness is a fundamental requirement for Air Force warriors. We want to promote a lifestyle change for cadets and opportunity to live healthy habits beyond the Air Force standards."

Summer hours for cadets and faculty/staff with cadet area access badges are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Department of Defense identification card holders can use the facility from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.