AIR CONDITIONING


You can’t outrun bad air


Fernando de la Cruz Quintanilla, EMEA New Markets director at global leader in climate control, Airzone, discusses the thorny issue of improving air quality in gyms


T


he UK government has identified air pollution as the single greatest environmental threat to health, with long-term exposure contributing


to chronic respiratory conditions and cardiovascular disease, and an estimated 28,000 to 36,000 premature deaths each year. What’s particularly troubling however is the emerging evidence that regular exercise – historically vaunted as a surefire way to improve our cardiovascular health – could be making things worse. That’s not to say that working out is harmful. But working out in poorly ventilated gyms could undermine the very health benefits that exercise offers. As we continue to promote active lifestyles, we must also confront the quality of the air we breathe, especially indoors, which is where we will spend approximately 90% of our lives, particularly in the UK. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, gym-goers have


become far more aware of the air they breathe and the ventilation inside the facilities they use. But concern for respiratory viruses is the most obvious health risk, when training next to someone coughing and spluttering. It’s the invisible health risk however, that is often overlooked. A recent study found that air quality in gyms


frequently falls short of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, driven by a combination of intense physical activity, which causes us to breath more heavily and quickly thereby increasing CO2 output, and inadequate ventilation systems. As well as above-average concentrations of fine particulate matter, which are strongly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the gym study also uncovered consistently elevated levels of CO2, another indicator of poor indoor air quality. On average, CO2 concentrations were measured at 1,489 mg/m³, approximately 1.5 times higher than the recommended threshold of 1,000 mg/m³. This data underscores a troubling reality that many


gyms are simply not equipped to circulate fresh air effectively when it’s needed most. In response, WHO advises individuals, especially those with respiratory


16 July 2025


www.heatingandventilating.net


‘If the fitness industry is serious about its role in building healthier lives, it must start by ensuring that the environments in which people train are safe, sustainable, and fit for purpose.’


sensitivities, to avoid exercising in gyms during peak times but that’s unhelpful to those already struggling to fit in exercise around their busy lives. Gym operators, many of whom already operate within tight margins, are under pressure to balance cost efficiency, environmental responsibility, and effective indoor climate control. In other words, gym owners need a way to improve ventilation and air quality without breaking the bank. Fortunately, modern HVAC systems can help by offering a powerful and futureproofed solution for efficient and effective air ventilation. By integrating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning into a single, intelligent infrastructure, these systems can significantly lower energy consumption while enhancing indoor air quality and comfort. Optimised systems integrate air purifiers, ventilation systems, air conditioning, and heating, into a single cohesive network, to create healthy spaces that prioritise energy efficiency, comfort, and well-being. Research under laboratory conditions has shown


that within just 24 hours of heating, ventilation, and air quality control integration, you can reduce fungal flora particles in suspension by 99%, inhibit staphylococcus aureus3 bacteria by 97%, reduce mesophilic anaerobic flora by 88%, and inhibit the sars-cov-2 (COVID-19) virus by 99%. The systems work together to target particles and microorganisms using ionisation to neutralise most harmful particles and microorganisms in the environment like bacteria, viruses, and spores. Using the same mechanism found in nature, the systems bind the ions to the harmful airborne particles and neutralises them when it senses that they have exceeded safe thresholds. Advanced features like demand-based zoning


allow gym owners to fine-tune energy use, particularly during peak times, targeting specific areas such as cardio zones or yoga studios without overcooling the entire facility. This kind of precision not only reduces waste but also enhances member experience, aligning operational efficiency with health and wellbeing goals. Furthermore, by aligning with global green building standards such as BREEAM and LEED, gyms that adopt high- performance HVAC systems position themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship, unlocking access to green financing, tax incentives, and a more sustainability-minded clientele.


If the fitness industry is serious about its role in building healthier lives, it must start by ensuring that the environments in which people train are safe, sustainable, and fit for purpose. Clean air is not a luxury; it’s the foundation of health. The future of fitness depends on rethinking the air we breathe.


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