Eglin Fitness Center expands training programs with multipurpose mat

  • Published
  • By Jasmine Porterfield
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Eglin Fitness Center recently installed a multipurpose mat to expand fitness program options to its patrons.

With an average of more than 302,000 customers per year, the Fitness Center staff regularly looks at ways to meet and exceed their needs and interests, according to Ed Vieth, 96th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports manager.

"Over the past several years we've had customers requesting a multipurpose mat for wrestling, specifically practicing for competitions," said Vieth. "Wrestling is a sport the Air Force sponsors an annual training camp for personnel, and those selected move on to compete at higher levels of competition."

In addition to professional-level training, the 42-by-42-foot mat also provides an alternate workout capability, with a focus on training and workout sessions for other sports and activities requiring padded flooring. 

"The mat is currently available for self-directed stretching, wrestling and martial arts use," said John Frost, 96th FSS fitness director."

According to Frost, Eglin is home to large wrestling community that could greatly benefit from using the mat for practice.

For Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Zastrow, 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of radiation and readiness, the mat not only saves him the travel time of training elsewhere, but its location allows for him to train with his peers.

"This is a great opportunity to train with people who work on the installation," he said. "Since it was installed, I use it at least two times per week to train."

A wrestling pro, Zastrow wrestles for the Air Force's world class athlete program. He won the 98kg division of U.S. Veteran's National Championship last year.

"This provides a unique opportunity for people to be able to reach sports and physical fitness goals they would otherwise have to go elsewhere to achieve," said Zastrow. "Having this mat here opens a world of possibilities for those with dreams of moving on to events like the Olympics."

In addition to leisure activities, the mat could later be available to service members for hand-to-hand combat and self-defense training.

In an effort to get the word out on the mat, the Fitness Center will host a demonstration by Zastrow  Aug. 11 and 18 at 4 p.m. on the basics of wrestling, Brazilian ju-jitsu and sambo, a Russian military self-defense technique, said Frost.

"We are encouraging the base populace to come out and watch the demonstration and give us their feedback," said Frost.

Patrons interested in providing feedback on the mat may do so through the 96th FSS website at www.eglinforcesupport.com or stop by the Fitness Center customer service desk and speak with a representative.