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We consider 70 degrees too high for regular aerobic classes. It would probably be fine for the over 60 demographic. For an aerobics class, a room temperature of no higher than 68 degrees and 50% humidity is recommended. Remember, just because your clients are sweating does not mean that they are getting a good workout. In an overheated environment, they could simply be overtaxing their cardiovascular system, which can lead to dangerous physiological conditions.
Both OSHA and The American College of Sports Medicine have recommendations. IFA has developed the following along those guidelines: The aerobics, cardio, weight training and Pilates areas should be at about 65 to 68 degrees. Yoga areas should be somewhat warmer at no higher than 80 degrees. Pool areas should be in the 70 to 80 range. Humidity levels for all areas should be around 40% to 60%. We recommend a thermometer and hygrometer located in each gym area so that users can check temperature and humidity against the recommendations.
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OSHA Recommendations
The OSHA guidelines are designed for employees in the workplace. OSHA recommends a workplace temperature control in the range of 68-76° F and humidity control in the range of 20%-60% as specified in OSHA Manual. The Complete OSHA Technical Manual includes Noise Measurement and Guidelines as well. The EEC has also set guidelines, which are lower than the US standards.
See OSHA Regulation. The Complete Technical Manual can be read at OSHA Manual TOC, which also includes Noise Measurement and Guidelines.
ACSM Recommendations
"Appropriate temperature, humidity and air circulation levels should be maintained in the fitness floor area. The following levels are recommended: Temperature: 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit."
- ACSM's Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines. 2nd Ed.
NOISE STANDARDS
It varies all over. What is loud to one group is inspiring to others. In any case, music should not be louder than the standards set by the EPA. We are currently updating our material to include environmental guidelines. Gyms and classes including instructor who do not adhere to these guidelines leave themselves open to legal ramifications in the future as well as workmen's compensation considerations as this subject becomes more widely understood.
At 85 db the EPA standard for safe sound is 45 minutes. At 88 db the EPA standard for safe sound is 23 minutes. EPA regards 91 db as unsafe for any length of time over 11 minutes. The European Union has set the maximum legal limit for recreational sound in its member countries as 85 dB with a suggested level of 80 dB.
These are the noise guidelines set by the EPA for db/duration.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends that a noise exposure of one hour not exceed 94 dB, and exposures to levels of 100 dB should not exceed 15 minutes to protect against permanent hearing loss.
The likelihood of Heat Disorder with prolonged exposure or strenuous activity is demonstrated in the following chart:
Source: NOAA's National Weather Service
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