Posted on Oct 20, 2022
Will veterans ever be given access to the fitness center?
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Why are we able to shop at the commissary and NEX but cant utilize the fitness center? It would be nice to be able to keep our health up and stay fit in an environment thats familiar and suitable to our needs.
Posted in these groups: 
Fitness
Fitness
Edited 2 y ago
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 6
SGT Elisha Johnson, I think I've finally reached the point with people asking variations of "why am I not entitled to the stuff I had when I was an active servicemember?*" that I'm going to say something that you're going to think is harsh. Being a veteran does not mean that the military will continue to provide for you until you're dead.
There are a lot of benefits that the military gives to veterans.
There are a lot of benefits that private corporations give to veterans.
There are a lot of benefits that society gives to veterans.
If you want to stay fit in an environment that's familiar and suitable to your needs... get up at 0430, put on your old PT stuff, stand in a formation with your family, do calisthenics and then run two miles. If you want to go beyond that (likely), then go check out some discounted gym memberships*
If you wanted to be treated like an active military member, then you should have stayed as an active military servicemember.
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* Not necessarily 'active duty', but 'active servicemember' from any of the different COMPOs.
* discounted gym memberships - https://veteran.com/military-discounts-gyms-health-clubs/
There are a lot of benefits that the military gives to veterans.
There are a lot of benefits that private corporations give to veterans.
There are a lot of benefits that society gives to veterans.
If you want to stay fit in an environment that's familiar and suitable to your needs... get up at 0430, put on your old PT stuff, stand in a formation with your family, do calisthenics and then run two miles. If you want to go beyond that (likely), then go check out some discounted gym memberships*
If you wanted to be treated like an active military member, then you should have stayed as an active military servicemember.
------------------
* Not necessarily 'active duty', but 'active servicemember' from any of the different COMPOs.
* discounted gym memberships - https://veteran.com/military-discounts-gyms-health-clubs/
Military Discounts at Gyms and Health Clubs
List of Gym and Health Club chains that offer military discounts and savings on membership and enrollment fees.
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LTC Jason Bartlett
Not harsh at all just facts. The other consideration is that the installation gyms cannot support the increase in customers. The gyms are not set up to operate in that capacity.
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LTC Jason Bartlett
Bottom line is refer to eligibility criteria in AR215-1, table 7-1 to determine patronage of MWR facilities.
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SGT Elisha Johnson
Not expecting to be taken care of I work out on my own because im responsible for my own health at the end of the day. My point is just you'd think if we had access to those places the fitness center would be on the list. Im ok if not just one of those things that would have been nice. I'm ok with your response but could've did without that last part definitely not necessary for an inquiry. My military time has came and went and i have no desires to have it back.
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LTC Jason Bartlett
SGT Elisha Johnson - Refer to eligibility criteria in AR215-1, table 7-1 to determine patronage of MWR facilities. Some Installations tried CAT C gyms, paid memberships but ran into issues when it was determined they were using MWR fitness equipment and not enough usage (i.e. customers). All CAT C gyms must be self sustaining. So if they wanted to do it first it comes down to priority does the installation have the ability to support the increase in customers if so the Garrison Commander (I believe) can make that decision. If they want to go the paid membership route it must be self sustaining which means the customer would incur a cost and I believe for the money most would just utilize a planet fitness or Golds Gym (one of the reason they closed them down).
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Note: Original question was edited. My original response here has been edited SIGNIFICANTLY in kind. Below comments which were posted pre-edit may not make sense in context or may imply agreement with a completely different sentiment or context. *end note*
Do you remember trying to get in to the gym during PT time? Most of the places I was stationed, you had to book the local fitness center weeks, if not months, in advance. Even the places we had a fitness center that "belonged" to my BN or BDE.
Yes, there are down times for those gyms. But, generally speaking, many of them are already operating at, near, or sometimes even above capacity. Especially when we start considering manning the facilities and keeping them clean.
The areas they have recently opened to vets, generally speaking, do not have capacity problems. AAFES and DeCA are both business operations that can flex staffing based on increased use - and the increased use pays for the staffing.
Now, if you wanted to maybe look at having gym membership fees to pay for additional staffing and maintenance, I could maybe see that as a workable compromise. Your comment elsewhere about PTSD may be relevant to that discussion. I personally don't see a linkage there, but I do not have PTSD and I am not a psychiatrist, so I withhold judgment on the merits of the argument, and leave it at "you'll need to convince me, but I'm open to being convinced."
In the meantime, I understand you are looking for a gym that is a good fit for the veterans who want to continue to "get after it" without being judged and where they may have a sense of camaraderie. I can personally speak to Planet Fitness's non-judgmental atmosphere, but the latter part of camaraderie is definitely lacking. But I would guess - and this is just a guess - that it is kind of like church-shopping. Every time you move, you have to go to a few (or a couple dozen) churches to find one that "feels right." But if you shop hard enough, you *can* find one. Especially if you are in a true city, and not a one-stoplight-town. Which most places that are close enough to a military base that using the on-base gyms is practical , ALSO have a large enough community outside the gate to make gym-searching (or church-shopping) possible.
It is not a problem I have. Since I retired, I have run exactly four times. Two of those something was on fire, and the other two were chasing my stupid dog. But I wish you the best of luck in your search for a good fit.
Do you remember trying to get in to the gym during PT time? Most of the places I was stationed, you had to book the local fitness center weeks, if not months, in advance. Even the places we had a fitness center that "belonged" to my BN or BDE.
Yes, there are down times for those gyms. But, generally speaking, many of them are already operating at, near, or sometimes even above capacity. Especially when we start considering manning the facilities and keeping them clean.
The areas they have recently opened to vets, generally speaking, do not have capacity problems. AAFES and DeCA are both business operations that can flex staffing based on increased use - and the increased use pays for the staffing.
Now, if you wanted to maybe look at having gym membership fees to pay for additional staffing and maintenance, I could maybe see that as a workable compromise. Your comment elsewhere about PTSD may be relevant to that discussion. I personally don't see a linkage there, but I do not have PTSD and I am not a psychiatrist, so I withhold judgment on the merits of the argument, and leave it at "you'll need to convince me, but I'm open to being convinced."
In the meantime, I understand you are looking for a gym that is a good fit for the veterans who want to continue to "get after it" without being judged and where they may have a sense of camaraderie. I can personally speak to Planet Fitness's non-judgmental atmosphere, but the latter part of camaraderie is definitely lacking. But I would guess - and this is just a guess - that it is kind of like church-shopping. Every time you move, you have to go to a few (or a couple dozen) churches to find one that "feels right." But if you shop hard enough, you *can* find one. Especially if you are in a true city, and not a one-stoplight-town. Which most places that are close enough to a military base that using the on-base gyms is practical , ALSO have a large enough community outside the gate to make gym-searching (or church-shopping) possible.
It is not a problem I have. Since I retired, I have run exactly four times. Two of those something was on fire, and the other two were chasing my stupid dog. But I wish you the best of luck in your search for a good fit.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
I get the feeling we are on the same page that being a vet does not entitle you to the world. I feel that culture has hurt vets more than helped since they started treating us better after Desert Storm.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
MAJ Byron Oyler Every generation bitches about the younger generation - forgetting that WE raised them, so it's as much our fault as anyone's. But,....
I have grown to HATE the word "deserve." That will set me off about as quick as anything. Even quicker than talking about my momma. For me, and I *believe* most of my generation, the only time we "deserved" ANYTHING it was a whooping.
I grew up with "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." And if life don't even give you lemons, go FIND some.
I have grown to HATE the word "deserve." That will set me off about as quick as anything. Even quicker than talking about my momma. For me, and I *believe* most of my generation, the only time we "deserved" ANYTHING it was a whooping.
I grew up with "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." And if life don't even give you lemons, go FIND some.
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SGT Elisha Johnson
So may be deserve was a bad choice of word but in case you guys havent read the other comments and replies. I'm in now way looking for a hand out. It was an inquiry at best. I work out and keep my health up. Its one of those things that would be nice if it happened but I could do without. Ya'll come in here with the smug responses for what? Your comment from start to finish is so dramatic, we are glad you can spell deserve no need to type it that many times.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SGT Elisha Johnson - Words have meaning. In a forum where you have time to think, read, re-word, and edit before hitting "send" I have to assume you used the exact words you intended to use. Especially when you are the original poster.
Yes my response was dramatic. It was intended to be. Drama in language generally has two purposes. The first is to draw attention to the speaker / writer. The other is to add weight to the response and draw attention to the person to whom the speaker / writer is responding. This was a case of the latter.
You'll see by my other response here, that I believe your post reeked of entitlement. Yes, you later walked that entitlement back. Including editing your original post. But it is a problem I see repeatedly with the 9/11 vets. Your post appeared to be yet another on the recurring themes of "I did my 4 years, why doesn't everyone treat me like I'm still active" or "I didn't want to stay until retirement, but why can't I get all of those retirement benefits." And I absolutely abhor such sentiment, and respond with conmensurate vitriol.
I will edit my response to your edited question momentarily.
Yes my response was dramatic. It was intended to be. Drama in language generally has two purposes. The first is to draw attention to the speaker / writer. The other is to add weight to the response and draw attention to the person to whom the speaker / writer is responding. This was a case of the latter.
You'll see by my other response here, that I believe your post reeked of entitlement. Yes, you later walked that entitlement back. Including editing your original post. But it is a problem I see repeatedly with the 9/11 vets. Your post appeared to be yet another on the recurring themes of "I did my 4 years, why doesn't everyone treat me like I'm still active" or "I didn't want to stay until retirement, but why can't I get all of those retirement benefits." And I absolutely abhor such sentiment, and respond with conmensurate vitriol.
I will edit my response to your edited question momentarily.
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Why do so many veterans feel entitled to so much? When I retire, I'm absolutely avoiding any military base I can unless I have to go on it. I am putting away all my Army stuff. I might keep one of each uniform that's about it.
The PX and commissary are not in any way similar to the fitness centers. Don't you think the priority should be active duty servicemembers to utilize them - especially in the Army with the ACFT we have more weight lifting? Despite that, there are still some leaders who don't even want us to use the gym. But I can tell you right now, ones I was in before covid (I don't go since if I can help it I bought my own equipment and have a mini gym in my spare room) it filled up pretty quick with active duty.
If you are that concerned about your health and fitness, you'll find a way on your own. Plenty of gyms have just regular discounts or specials or deals. You're not getting anything better out of a military base gym than you would off base either.
The PX and commissary are not in any way similar to the fitness centers. Don't you think the priority should be active duty servicemembers to utilize them - especially in the Army with the ACFT we have more weight lifting? Despite that, there are still some leaders who don't even want us to use the gym. But I can tell you right now, ones I was in before covid (I don't go since if I can help it I bought my own equipment and have a mini gym in my spare room) it filled up pretty quick with active duty.
If you are that concerned about your health and fitness, you'll find a way on your own. Plenty of gyms have just regular discounts or specials or deals. You're not getting anything better out of a military base gym than you would off base either.
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SGT Elisha Johnson
Again its not about entitlement its an inquiry. I never look for handouts in life. My question was simply for people like myself with PTSD etc who sometimes have issues with over crowded public gyms. Asking a question is not entitlement and you dont know if you dont ask. I'm in excellent shape because I get it done on my own. Seems like people these days look for any excuse to judge or look down their nose.
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SFC Kelly Fuerhoff
SGT Elisha Johnson - What's the difference between a crowded gym on base than off base? You'll probably see it less crowded off base than you will on base honestly. If your PTSD is that bad, buy your own equipment and set up a home gym.
Oh give me a break with your last part of your comment. No one is "looking down their nose" at anyone. You asked, you got responses.
The gyms on base are for servicemembers first. That's the priority. Deal with it.
Oh give me a break with your last part of your comment. No one is "looking down their nose" at anyone. You asked, you got responses.
The gyms on base are for servicemembers first. That's the priority. Deal with it.
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SGT Elisha Johnson
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff - I guess you think you got me together "deal with it" you are comical. It was an inquiry again and if im never able to use a gym on base i'll be perfectly fine.
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