Fitness centers adjust to COVID-19 Published March 27, 2020 By Staff Sgt. Robert L. McIlrath 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the fitness centers at Sheppard Air Force Base are suspending service to everyone other than active duty personnel and guard and reserves on active duty orders. The Pitsenbarger Fitness Center will only be available for Airmen-in-Training, while the Levitow Fitness center will only be available to permanent party, including TDY, guard and reserves. New ideas have birthed alternate methods of how military personnel achieve their fitness goals and still remain protected against Coronavirus. “Both fitness centers are limiting entrance to maximize social distancing rules,” said Cindy Conn, fitness center director of operations. “The fitness center has purchased two XCaliber Containers located at both running tracks. These were placed for individuals to continue and enhance their workout sessions.” Inside the containers there are numerous items that would allow personnel to workout, but outside where the 6-feet social distancing standard can be met with ease. These items include bands with handles, ring bands, ab rollers, kettle bells, medicine balls, dumbbells, a bench, a set of bumper plates, an EZ curl bar and, of course, wipes to sanitize all the equipment after use. The container hours of operations are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fitness center staff will also clean and sanitize the equipment daily from 1:15-1:45 p.m. and also at the end of each day. “These containers were placed here for individuals to continue to enhance their workout sessions,” Conn said. “The fitness center staff are counting on each individual to use provided gym wipes to wipe each piece of equipment before and after use and to also maintain social distancing during their workout so everyone stays healthy and safe.”