NAVAL BASE GUAM (April 9, 2025) – A holistic approach to fitness is recognizing that our physical, mental, and emotional well-being are interconnected and that taking care of ourselves requires balancing these different aspects.
Staff at the Charles King Fitness Center (CKFC) onboard U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) are ready to help those who are interested in jumpstarting or improving their physical health and overall fitness.
“MWR offers a variety of programs such as group fitness classes of all fitness levels,” said CKFC Fitness Director Joanna Winge. “We offer various types of strength training rooms including a functional room and an outdoor BeaverFit station.”
Winge adds that there are a number of cardiovascular equipment options to choose from, or individuals can enjoy a few laps around the outdoor track and field. CKFC also offers indoor basketball and racquetball courts, and outdoor tennis courts.
“If someone is new to exercise, I would recommend they start out slow and ease into a workout routine,” Winge said. “Set realistic goals and focus on consistency. Try different exercises and programs to find what they enjoy and can stick with. Fitness does not have to be a chore. Explore different activities MWR has to offer and find what works best for your lifestyle”
CKFC offers the following programs:
Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS): Classes are open to everyone. NOFFS is a comprehensive fitness and nutrition program delivered through MWR Fitness.
BeaverFit Gym: The gym boxes provide an all-in-one training and storage solution, perfect for maximizing capabilities for outdoor fitness and remote workout environments. The boxes provide equipment including various weights, kettle bells, medicine balls, and Olympic lifting bar with various bumper plate options. Additionally, patrons can utilize the various stations including an area for pull-ups, battle ropes, a dip bar, and a bench press. Use of the BeaverFit Gym requires reservations of a minimum of eight participants. Reservations for this area can be made at the CKFC front desk.
Youth Fitness Orientation: Youth Fitness Orientations are designated to safely and effectively introduce young people to the fitness facility and equipment, teaching them gym etiquette and safety practices. The goal is to empower youth to feel comfortable and confident in the fitness setting, foster a positive fitness experience, and encourage them to pursue their fitness goals. Completing the Youth Fitness Orientation is a requirement for accessing certain fitness areas, ensuring that young people are adequately prepared. The Youth Fitness Orientations are appointment based for youth ages 10-17.
Unmanned Access: Patrons can register their CAC or dependent ID’s at the front desk during normal hours of operation. Registration closes one-hour before facility closure. Unmanned access allows eligible patrons ages 18 and over to utilize the facility after normal hours of operation. Youth ages 10-17 can work out under parental supervision if the youth and parent have completed the Youth Fitness Orientation.
EVOLT: Evolt 360 is a body composition scan that uses non-invasive electrical pulses to provide detailed data about your body’s composition, including muscle mass, fat mass, water content, and more. The Evolt360 scan is most accurate when done first thing in the morning, fasted, and before any exercise. Scans are free and available on a walk-in basis.
CKFC is working to re-instate the Personal Training Program, which is currently offline due to staffing.
The gym also offers group fitness classes including Body Pump, Full Body Burnout, Cardio Kickboxing Body Pump, Body Bootcamp, Zumba/Pound, Pop Pilates, Bounce, High Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.), Tabata, Mixxed Fit, Weight Training Bootcamp, and Zumba.
CKFC Group Fitness Specialist Mark Macatuno is passionate about fostering and motivating fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
“My classes are designed to welcome everyone, offering modifications for beginners and challenges for those seeking to advance their fitness journey,” Macatuno said. “I prioritize community and camaraderie, encouraging participants to support one another while celebrating individual achievements … ultimately I strive to create a positive experience where participants leave feeling accomplished and inspired to continue their fitness journey.”
A comprehensive schedule for group classes can be found on the MWR Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/MWRGuam
𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥-𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡
Research shows the impact that movement and exercise has on our mental health. According to the National Health Institute, exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, supports better sleep, and is known to boost someone’s mood and confidence.
Yeoman 1st Class Deshun Summerlin says working out is a form of self-care and serves as a significant positive impact to his health.
“It is another form of self-care, but with a sprinkle of tough love,” Summerlin said. “A therapeutic place to work it out is the gym. You had a bad day and want to make something move? Push some dumbbells. Your heart hurts? Do some HIIT workouts and let it burn. You want to run away from your problems? At least get on the treadmill or stair master and run away because it is beneficial. Feel like you got a lot on your shoulders? Hit the squat rack and see how much more you can handle.”
Summerlin tries to work out at least three times a week, and participates in a sports activity at least twice a week.
“Even if you go once a week, you’ll notice some type of impact that benefits you,” Summerlin said. “The difference between try and triumph is a little ‘umph’.”
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
CKFC is hosting the annual Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with this year’s theme “Wellness is More Than Just Physical Health”.
“Our goal is to bring health and wellness not just to individuals, but to adults, children, and families as a whole,” said CKFC Fitness Coordinator Yessenia Martin.
According to Martin, CKFC is partnering with MWR Community Recreation to bring bounce houses and games for families.
“We aim to make the event family oriented and to instill the mindset that health and wellness can be incorporated into any aspect of life at any age,” Martin said.
Interested local or Department of Defense vendors, fitness professionals, and health and wellness experts are encouraged to set-up booths, educational displays, and workshops for the fair.
Interested participants may email yesenia.a.martin2.naf@us.navy.mil.
CKFC is open 24/7 for all eligible patrons ages 18 and over. For more information on CKFC fitness programs, call (671) 333-2049 or visit CKFC, Bldg. 1980 Haputo Rd.