What is the logic behind keeping the base gyms closed?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2020 04:41:13 -0400

(I know this varies by location) is your base gym open yet? Curious to know the logic behind keeping these closed. AD/Reserve should be fine to workout while being sanitary and respecting space. Multiple states are allowing commercial gyms to open this month, with common sense restrictions. Considering the average age and health of the military, I don’t see an issue with base gyms functioning with caution. It seems more damaging to restrict fitness centers for the troops, for physical and mental health. With social activities being restricted, troops need the gym now more than ever. I personally trust using a DOD/MWR gym over a commercial gym as for the crowd and virus exposure. On base, You have less people with underlying health problems (should be almost none on base), and almost no elderly at risk (only retirees, can be restricted easily). No gym on base = less morale, less readiness. Train at your own risk. Like doing anything else outside your residence right now. It’s individual responsibility.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2020 4:45 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2020 04:45:46 -0400

* Also, does anyone know if MWR/DOD plans to manage fitness centers on an individual basis or nationwide? I remember they had a month of limited capacity, than most of them closed.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 11 at 2020 7:23 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 11 May 2020 07:23:55 -0400

I'll take another month or two of gym closures and get 100% of my formation back, even if slightly out of shape over losing a troop or two, but having everyone come back SUPER fit. Every. Single. Day.

Response by TSgt Jack Oberholtzer made May 11 at 2020 8:42 AM

TSgt Jack Oberholtzer — Mon, 11 May 2020 08:42:44 -0400

Gyms as large as they are still are considered confined space. Are the basketball courts outside closed, and walking trails? Seems to me weight rooms (inside) should probably be closed for awhile just to be safe. Outside activities, calisthenics, jogging and such should be encouraged. Believe me, I want the weight rooms to open as soon as possible. Sitting around the house in lockdown isn’t doing anything good for my waistline.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2020 9:54 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2020 09:54:41 -0400

From a Preventive Medicine perspective, here are my thoughts:

As long as the gym is following strict guidelines and sanitation protocols, then I really don't see an issue. HOWEVER....having inspected many a gym....the common sense rule is out the window. People, as a whole (and SMs are the worst) are not the cleanest specie on the planet. Some folks will follow the rules/guidelines, but you will have many a folk that won't. And since gyms are enclosed spaces....it's difficult to maintain 6' distance. And getting EVERYONE to adhere to spacing, and wipe down equipment before/after use....yea, you'd have am easier time pulling a bad tooth out a croc's mouth with plastic tweezers.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2020 10:00 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2020 10:00:42 -0400

The logic is because people don't listen. The military is taken all precautions to ensure the health and welfare of the force. JBLM has a plan in place to reopen in accordance with state guidance. There will probably be some restrictions just like before the closure.
There are other ways to exercise. There are even YouTube and FB videos of examples.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2020 10:52 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2020 10:52:02 -0400

I'm so sick of people wondering (whining) about the gyms being closed. Here it is. GYMS ARE FILTHY!!!
They are covered with bodily fluid, have higher temperatures, and people ca't be trusted to even rerack their weights let alone wipe down their equip. Then you have towels all over as well, people grunting and yelling, expelling more spittle, and you are breathing in each others face when spotting.
The military is acting as if there was no such thing as exercising before a gym was invented.
Here's an idea that's easy, requires no equipment, and is better for military service than lifting: RUN!
The legs feed the wolf, cardio is the basis for everything else. You don't need to deadlift 700 to be successful in your job, but you do need some basic cardio endurance.
There are tons of ways to get a good pump without a gym. Calisthenic spots around posts are open - do pushups, situps, ropes, pullups...ya know the things the services test for. Go ruck, go for a hike, etc. Get creative , not just "Oh the gym's closed....guess no PT".

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made May 11 at 2020 3:23 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 11 May 2020 15:23:03 -0400

Our MWR is working a plan to reopen the gyms on a Be prepared to.... kind of notice, there is a lot that goes into it. Things like occupancy rate and social distancing, sanitization of facilities and equipment, and staffing. No date has been announced here, however they are prepared for a quick flash to bang time.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2020 4:00 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 11 May 2020 16:00:14 -0400

Look in the Army- most all of us went to the Gym. I gym normally 1-2 Brigades- 3K-6K folks. Thats better than 50 people in the gym during the open hours. thats heavy, and a real bitch to stay safe. Gee is that sweat on the equipment or sneeze shit?

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made May 12 at 2020 9:56 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 12 May 2020 09:56:43 -0400

One thing is the jurisdictional status of the base. This is given by the State/Commonwealth where located. #1 is exclusive Federal and the Feds can do pretty much as they please, use assimilative laws which are the State/Commonwealth. #2 is concurrent, what State/Commonwealth allows or not, pretty much rules, as do the laws. #3 Proprietary, think of the Feds as tenants. SJAFB is proprietary, so they pretty much have to do as NC, Wayne County and Goldsboro say. Ft Bragg is exclusive North of NC 210 and Concurrent NC 210 and South. So with the Stay Home orders issued by various guvment levels, one can see how they might close. Now Feds can do more than required, for instance, 4th Med Gp closed their pharmacy which was not required by NC or any of the locals.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made May 12 at 2020 12:08 PM

LTC Gary Earls — Tue, 12 May 2020 12:08:40 -0400

I called the Base Exchange at Dobbins Air Force Base to see if they were open about three weeks ago. I was told that military retirees were banned from shopping at the base Exchange. I called Robbins AFB Exchange and was told that retirees were welcomed. Dobbins took in a bunch of cruise passengers at the start of the epidemic. I've heard from other retirees that some places are open and other posts are closed to military retirees. Sounds like it is discrimination by Base Commanders..