ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The fitness center recently opened a parent-child fitness workout room; helping Team Andrews parents reach their fitness goals for 2008.
"It's a family-friendly play area," said Judee Sanders, 316th Services Squadron director. "The room was the vision of Staff Sgt. Peaches Parker who saw the room through to fruition before her recent job promotion."
The brightly-painted room provides toys, a television and videos to entertain the kids while parents exercise within sight of the children.
"The CDCs and the Youth Center were consulted to make sure the toys provided - and the area in general - meet Air Force and childcare standards," said Ms. Sanders.
The parent-child fitness room allows for more flexibility in parents already hectic schedules.
"Our society, especially in the D.C. area, is moving so quickly - you just don't have time to stop and be inconvenienced," she said. "Parents now have the option to go get a workout on a treadmill or elliptical machine, stay in shape, and all while your kids are right there in front of you watching videos or playing games."
The parent-child fitness room also meets a need on base since finding childcare can be, at times, challenging.
"Because there is a lack of babysitters and hourly care, we wanted to provide a convenient place for parents to come and get a decent workout on state-of-the-art equipment," said Ms. Sanders.
The parent-child fitness room is a positive addition to the base.
"The room gives the community an opportunity for folks to have their children with them in a family-friendly environment," she said.
Ms. Sanders reminds parents that they are responsible for their children in the play area to guard against injury and parents must accompany their children at all times and are responsible for their children's behavior. Newborn babies to children of the age of 10 are welcome in the play area and strollers can be parked in the fitness center room. Parents are expected to leave the play area in order.
The parent-child workout room is open the same hours as the fitness center. For more information, contact the West Fitness Center at 301-981-7101.