HOW GOOD IS THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR GYM

*This is a guest blog post by Samantha Braddy 

Why do you choose to go to the gym? Perhaps you’re trying to lose weight, or you’re hoping to get back in shape after you’ve been too focused on work. Maybe you just need a bit of physical activity after spending hours in the office? Whatever the reason may be, going to the gym is a great decision bound to make you healthier. That is, of course, if the conditions in your gym are appropriate, meaning everything is clean and the air is good.

The air you breathe can make you weak

It has been known for decades now that air pollution is bad for our health. It weakens our immune systems, and it’s been noticed that people who live in urban areas, where pollution is worse, suffer from asthma and abnormal heart rhythms much more than people who live in rural areas and countryside. You might feel protected knowing that the air in your office and home is purified, but what about the air in your gym? In some fitness centers, indoor air quality is as bad as it is outside and you don’t want to breathe bad air when you’re working on your cardio.

Air quality at indoor fitness centers

Researchers from a university in Portugal did a study where they assessed air pollutants at 11 different gyms. They did so during peak hours in attempts to see what you breathe when you’re working out. The results were stunning – not only were there rather high amounts of dust, but also carbon dioxide and formaldehyde. This was particularly noticeable in spaces where you take special classes like Pilates and spin class. This type of pollution isn’t too dangerous, but for people who already have breathing issues such as asthma, it can worsen their conditions. In addition, this can also tire you out, so you won’t actually be getting the most out of your workout, no matter how hard you try.

Is your gym moldy?

A lot of people come to the gym, they work out hard, they sweat and take deep breaths, they take a shower and go on with their day happily. All this means that there is a lot of humidity in gyms, which further implies that there are high chances that there will be mold too. If you have problems with respiratory organs or you’re allergic to mold, don’t hesitate to ask them about their conditions. You don’t have to sound too pushy, but merely ask if they have an air purifier for mold installed. People working in gyms are professionals and they’ll understand why you’re asking, and you will make sure that you’re working out in best conditions.

Gym quality is almost as important as food quality

You probably wouldn’t eat in a place that isn’t safe, so why would you work out in a place that’s not safe and/or is even bad for your health? Sometimes, the solution is as simple as changing the time you go to the gym – avoid those peak hours when you can’t move around freely and it feels like it’s too crowded anyway. You might also try changing your gym completely – perhaps there is another one whose conditions suit you perfectly and it’s only a couple of blocks away. In the end, remember that nothing beats intense exercise in clean, fresh air, no matter how brief. If you’re working on your cardio, go for a run in your local park or around your neighborhood.

When you’re going to the gym, it’s important to pay attention to every detail: how clean the surfaces are, how fresh the air is, and how the locker rooms and showers look. Compromises are generally a good thing, but not when it comes to gyms. You are going there to take care of your body and stay healthy, and it’s only natural that you want the conditions to be the best.