FORT KNOX, Ky. — An existing physical fitness center at Fort Knox has reopened to the public with new equipment and a new focus.
Smith Fitness Center, which has been closed for repairs and renovations since September 2019, has joined Otto PFC as two of four centers here to provide a full-functioning cardio fitness space.
The 5,000 square-foot space now includes a Hammer Strength 34-foot rig, eight half-racks with platforms, 16 Olympic competition bars, Army Combat Fitness Test hex bars, bumper plates, training ropes, plyometric boxes, medicine balls, slam balls, wall balls and targets, kettlebells, dumbbells and non-motorized cardio equipment that requires no electricity.
“Current cardio equipment we had at Smith will remain in the space, along with some of strength equipment we had in place,” said Austin Howell, sports and fitness director at Fort Knox Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
Smith’s new fitness package was approved by U.S. Army Installation Management Command officials Dec. 20, 2019, and installed earlier this month. Howell said Army leadership has determined that physical readiness is key to keeping up with the changing demands of modern hostile threats in the world.
One of those demands includes revamping fitness centers to accommodate the Army’s new combat fitness testing standards. For this reason, Otto Physical Fitness Center received an upgrade October 2018.
“This package at Smith will provide Soldiers with the needed space and equipment to perform the exercises and alternate exercises that prepare them for not only the ACFT,” said Howell, “but build their body for the demands of the real-life activities that include the demands of modern war.”
Smith Fitness is located at 5927 26th Cavalry Dr. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday, 5-9 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 3-7 p.m. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 502-624-3641.
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