Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The IronWorks Gym, formally known as the Main Gym is making many changes to enhance the quality of life while engaging in physical activities.  Although the name of the gym has changed, it still offers the same opportunities and advantages as before.

The change of names was a major starting point in the enhancement of the gym.  The name IronWorks came about in an unusual fashion.

"We had a name the gym contest, and a lot of people in the community participated. We went through all of names and that is how the name IronWorks came about," said Laura Kline, Semper Fit fitness coordinator.  "The community really supports the gym so it was not a surprise when we had a lot of names submitted."

The support of the gym comes with a lot of hard work by its staff making sure that it offers something for everybody.

"Anybody can find something that they enjoy at the gym," said Kline.  "We have so many different programs and classes that people can participate in, and a lot of activities for people that want to come in and just do their own thing."

The Gym offers martial arts, aerobics, spinning and many other types of classes for people of all ages.  The gym also features an Olympic size swimming pool, three basketball and four racquetball courts, a fitness room, which includes weights, treadmills, stair climbers, a wall climbing simulator and an abundance of other exercise necessities.

"We have received a lot of new equipment," said Kline. "Included in this new equipment are a lot of new cardiovascular machines and Body Master machines."

The Gym is not only improving the equipment but also the facility itself.

"We have re painted a lot of areas and we also have new carpet," said Kline.  "We want people to feel comfortable here so we try to provide a nice atmosphere."

The IronWorks Gym is a great place to go to play basketball, go for a swim, learn martial arts, get into shape or pump some iron.

"I am glad that I have this type of facility available to me," said Pfc. Dyren Baldwin, Air Terminal Operations Center.

The Gym has worked very hard not only to improve the facility and the equipment but also to provide a quality environment for everyone aboard the station.

"Iwakuni has been called the jewel of the Marine Corps," said Kline, "and we just want our gym to live up to that."