Family Fitness Center answers parents' call

By Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public AffairsMarch 4, 2014

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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Sorry, parents. You now have one less excuse to skip the gym.

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation opened the new Family Fitness Center in the Tower Barracks Field House, March 3.

The center, which has six pieces of cardio and 14 pieces of weight equipment, also has a child play area in the same room. There are no child care representatives; rather, the facility is set up so parents can watch their children while working out.

The idea for the Family Fitness Center was presented by a community member during a U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Community Huddle.

"They wanted a more family-oriented fitness area for parents to workout with their kids on site," said Steve Hollister, Youth Sports and Fitness director for Child, Youth and School Services.

To keep children occupied while parents work up a sweat, the center provides puzzles, blocks, trucks, balls, a basketball hoop and a TV with kid-friendly DVDs.

Parents are also encouraged to bring toys or movies from home that their children enjoy.

Though the facility is geared more toward toddlers and school-age children, parents can bring their infants as long as they are in a carrier, said Hollister.

Most importantly, explained Hollister, the Family Fitness Center allows parents and their children to spend more time together and to work out as a family.

"The biggest benefit of this facility in the community is that it promotes families and family togetherness."

The Family Fitness Center is located in the field house, Tower Barracks Building 547. For more, call CYSS Parent Central Services at DSN 476-2760, CIV 09662-83-2760.

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