MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- The Daniels Family Fitness Center here is making several additions to the structure that will allow for a wider variety of workouts.
The more than $800,000 in changes will include three additional rooms, each of which will be dedicated to a particular kind of equipment such as free weights or cardiovascular equipment. About 4,000 square feet will be added to the current facility.
According to Clarence Mitchell III, the fitness center director, the changes will help turn an already state-of-the-art facility into an even better place to work out.
The additions will include a full aerobics room, a cardio vascular area and a place for selecterizer equipment, or weight machines. Additional office space, a body assessment area and a staff locker room will also be included.
The current "main" room of the fitness center will be dedicated solely to free weights. According to Mitchell, plans are also in the works to install a whirlpool next to the sauna.
Once the facility is complete, all the aerobics classes currently held in the gymnasium will move to the fitness center. The classes will remain free to active duty military personnel during the lunch hour and will cost the evening sessions will cost military members, family members and DoD employees $15 per month.
Mitchell, who was certified as a nutrition counselor in 1997 and who has worked in several fitness centers in Albany, said that once this one is completed, it will be one of the best in the area. The main difference is the price.
In town, club memberships and dues can cost as much as $140 for the first two months, compared to the Daniels Family Fitness Center, which is free to all ID card holders.
Mitchell said that one reason for the additions was a survey that showed the number of people who use the gym. The results indicated the gym needed to be expanded to service patrons adequately and to safely hold the number of people attending on a regular basis.
Despite the size, the facility packs a powerful punch.
"If there were a competition between the small facilities, then we would win hands down," said Mitchell.
According to Mitchell, when all the construction is completed and the new equipment is in, those who are eligible to use the facility will have no reason not to stay in shape.
"We are taking away all the excuses people have for not working out," he said.
According to Mitchell, the only demolition that will take place will be a couple of walls being knocked out and a ceiling being removed. The entrance will be moved to the south end of the building, where the glass wall is now located. More parking spaces will also be added.
The fitness center's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon; and Sunday, 1-3 p.m. No schedule changes due to construction are anticipated. For more information call fitness center personnel at 639-6234.