Maintaining The Right Climate In Your Gym – What You Need To Know

When maintaining the temperature in a gym or other fitness establishment, a few degrees of adjustment to the thermostat of your commercial HVAC system can make a world of difference. Temperature control is essential not only to a safe workout, but an effective one as well. Is your thermostat in the zone?

Warm Up or Cool Down? 

OSHA identifies safe workplace temperatures as between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels as best between 20 to 60% relative humidity. However the gym is not a typical workplace. The ideal temperature for your gym should vary by setting and activity. Even client age plays a role, with pregnant women and children requiring cooler environments due to their propensity to overheat, and the elderly preferring far warmer gym environments due to their sensitivity to cold.
  

What’s the Big Deal?

Despite common misperceptions, the gym is not the place to encourage clients to ‘sweat it out’ under the guise of a greener planet. Extreme temperatures – both hot and cold – can have a negative effect on member workouts. Cold environments can result in muscle injury. Overwarm environments, cause patrons to suffer performance lags that can reduce workout effectiveness by 50%, resulting in dramatic declines in fitness levels or lack of progression over time. Worse, muscle injuries from excessive cold or health risks from overheating such as dehydration, heat stroke, and cardiovascular issues could put you at risk of costly lawsuits and lost clientele.

How Can You Find the Right Gym Temperature?To find the perfect temperature, look to industry tips and clientele age. Though in general the American College of Sports Medicine advises temperatures in the 68 to 72 degree Fahrenheit range alongside proper humidity and air circulation, optimal temperatures are more activity-specific. Thus, the International Fitness Association (IFA) has developed guidelines based not only on OSHA and IFA guidelines, but activity:

• Aerobics & Cardio
  For aerobics cardio classes, a temperature of no higher than 68 degrees is recommended.
• Weight Training
  Weight training, like aerobics, is recommended in the temperature range of 65-68 degrees by the IFA as well. However, "Iron Man," a sports magazine geared to body builders, suggests a room temperature at approximately 70 degrees to allow comfort while training but keep muscles warm at-rest.
• Yoga
  Yoga temperatures are generally warmer, but no higher than 80 degrees.
• Water Activities
  Pool areas are typically kept in the 70-80 degree range. ASHRAE, however, recommends temperatures of 2 to 4 degrees above water temperature for ideal pool room humidity control, as improperly maintained air temperature, water temperature and humidity can quickly overwhelm HVAC equipment.

Don’t Breeze By Humidity & Air Movement

Humidity and air movement are also integral to clientele perceptions of temperature. High humidity, even at optimal temperatures, can make gym spaces feel stuffy and hot. Proper circulation with fans can likewise increase comfort and facilitate the evaporation of sweat, keeping clients comfortable and cool.

HVAC system feeling the burn? Need commercial air conditioning repair? Contact the    and air conditioning repair experts at H&H Commercial Services and get your system back in shape today.

This post originally appeared on: https://hhcommercialonline.com/maintaining-right-climate-gym/ 

Why You Should Not Hire A Residential HVAC Contractor For Your Commercial Building

Keeping your building at a comfortable temperature is important for your business to run efficiently. When something goes wrong, or you need to consider a new installation, you might be tempted to hire a residential HVAC contractor. However, there are many significant differences between residential and commercial systems. In truth, hiring a commercial HVAC contractor is a better choice for repair, maintenance, and installation of a new system. Here is why you should not hire a residential HVAC contractor for your commercial building:

Commercial HVAC Contractors Are Certified Technicians
Because of the complexity of commercial HVAC systems, major manufacturers have training and certification programs to make sure that technicians understand how to install and repair them correctly. Residential HVAC contractors generally don't have these certifications, which means they may not:

• Have the training to understand how to correctly install or repair systems.
• Be able to balance the temperature needs of different areas of your building such as a computer room.
• Have easy access to parts for servicing.
• Be able to offer you the best warranty.
• Offer regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance that can extend your equipment life and make sure it continues to perform at maximum efficiency year round.

Commercial HVAC Contractors Understand Business Building Needs
With larger spaces, more people and specialized room needs, commercial buildings require different equipment and more complicated systems analysis than residential properties. Not only does your building need heating and cooling, it also needs dehumidifying. Moreover, special areas like computer rooms or natatoriums require unique HVAC solutions and equipment. Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors have:

• Expertise in analyzing room sizing.
• Understanding of effective design and engineering of commercial HVAC systems.
• Access to a variety of types of products for unique situations.
• Experience in quality installation and adjustment of systems.

Commercial HVAC Contractors Can Save You MoneyRunning your HVAC system is a significant expense for your business. While a residential contractor might be able to keep your system running, they probably don't have the experience to help you optimize efficiency and reduce energy use.H&H mechanical repair services have the knowledge to make sure your system:

• Runs at the highest level of efficiency so that you save money on electrical bills.
• Is not overburdened so that it lasts as long as possible and doesn't require extra repairs.
• Maintains your building temperature at a safe level for your computers and equipment.
• Keeps your employees, clients, and guests comfortable in an energy efficient way.

H&H Commercial HVAC Mechanical Contractors Offer Superior Services
With over three decades of experience, you can trust H&H Commercial Services to do the best job in helping you choose the best system for your building and to keep it running as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our technicians are factory trained in all of the major brands of commercial equipment, including:

• Dunham-Bush
• Semco
• The Whalen Company
• Desert Aire

With our expert technical support and troubleshooting assistance, you can be assured we will quickly diagnose and service any problems you encounter. Most importantly, our commitment to customer service, integrity and honesty mean that you will get fast and efficient service on your commercial property, whether large or small.