Torii Fitness Center upgrades invest in Soldiers, families

TORII STATION, Okinawa — Soldiers and families at U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa have access to upgraded fitness equipment following the installation of 13… TORII STATION, Okinawa — Soldiers and families at U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa have access to upgraded fitness equipment following the installation of 13 new strength-training machines at Torii Fitness Center, part of an ongoing effort to support Soldier readiness and improve quality of life across the garrison. The new equipment replaces aging weight-training machines, providing fitness center patrons with more reliable, user-friendly options designed to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. Jim Holbert, chief of sports, fitness and aquatics for USAG Okinawa Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said the upgrades were driven by the condition of the previous equipment and made possible through a headquarters-funded replacement program.

“There is an intangible increase to morale when Soldiers, their families and other users of a facility see investments being made to better their experience,” Holbert said. “Now we have brand new, durable, aesthetically pleasing equipment for all fitness center patrons to use.” Beyond improved reliability, the new machines feature visual instructions that make strength training more accessible, particularly for those unfamiliar with fitness center equipment. “One huge issue with some people starting their fitness endeavor is they don’t know how to use equipment,” Holbert said. “This