Gyms

Gyms or gymnasiums such as those found at elementary schools on up to college campuses all require ventilation to some degree. Also, fitness gyms have continued to be one of the most popular pastimes for people in the United States -- and the trend shows no signs of abating. These also need some form of air circulating and cooling through mechanical fans. One of the most challenging feats that gym owners need to contend with is the air within their spaces. The air needs to be kept at the ideal temperature -- not too hot so that gym-goers are sweating before they've even begun their workouts, but not so cold that their muscles are stiff or that they have to bundle up to exercise. Ensuring that the air conditioner is set to the right temperature is just one aspect of managing the environment inside a gym. The other -- air circulation -- is just as important. 

Air Circulation Physics

Unlike air conditioning systems, fans like floor air circulator fans, pedestal air circulator fans and drum and barrel cooling fans don't actually cool the gym's room temperature -- they just make it feel cooler. In fact, because fans help increase the speed of the evaporation process when the air circulation is good in a room, the ambient temperature can drop by as much as 8 to 12 degrees. 

Keeping Patrons Happy -- And Protecting Equipment

Of course, some sweating is to be expected while people are working out -- but no one wants to be extremely and uncomfortably sweaty. Poor air circulation can lead to high humidity which can make it uncomfortable for clients when they're trying to exercise. Part of the reason why is because the sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly when the humidity is too high. 

This excessive moisture in the air can also detrimental to the exercise equipment. The combination of both poor air circulation and high humidity can negatively affect the sensitivity mechanisms of treadmills, spinning machines, elliptical trainers and other equipment. This, in turn, can reduce the lifespan of that equipment and increase the costs of running the gym. Keep the air moving effectively by using standard ceiling fans, large high volume low speed fans or a combination of them both. 

Fans Work in Conjunction With Air Conditioning

Using a combination of different types of fans in conjunction with the gym's air conditioning system improves the way clients feel during their workouts and helps protect the performance of the exercise equipment. Fans can also make the air conditioning system more efficient. Instead of relying solely on air conditioning, using fans enables the thermostat to be raised by four or more degrees while still maintaining the same temperature. 

For each degree the thermostat is raised, a gym can experience up to five percent savings on their energy bills. The addition of fans, which typically cost just a few cents per hour to operate, can create a significant amount of air movement across a large area. 

Let the air movement specialists at Industrial Fans Direct assist you in customizing fans and accessories that are designed to keep your gym clients comfortable without making your energy costs skyrocket. Contact us today at 866.727.1060 or simply order online at your convenience.