If you need a reason to exercise outdoors, our author would have Alexandra Kraft What for you: Researchers have found that the air in fitness studios is sometimes heavily polluted.
Have you been looking for a reason to train outside despite the rain and humid heat? Perhaps a new study from the Universities of Lisbon and Delft will help you get started.
Because what the research team found in the air of fitness studios is far from healthy. During their investigation of the air quality in sports studios in Lisbon, they came across some terrifying values. Particularly precarious about the investigation: German studios are set up in a comparable way and are operated with similar ventilation systems as the Portuguese ones. A larger room usually houses equipment, weights and treadmills, while smaller rooms are intended for aerobics, yoga or Zumba. This means that there is a high probability that similar conditions will also prevail in Germany.
The measurements were taken in the late afternoon and evening. So at times when the studios were usually very well attended. Overall, the researchers found high levels of airborne dust, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide. All three values clearly exceeded the guideline values usually observed in interiors. To the point that they can no longer be called healthy.
The numbers rose especially during the evening hours, when a particularly large number of athletes raised dust in the rooms. The scientists see the greatest danger in the dust and formaldehyde contained in the air. These two substances can cause asthma and other respiratory problems. This can quickly lead to discomfort for those exercising in a studio who breathe intensely during exercise. Because dust and formaldehyde can penetrate the lungs deeper than usual.
The carbon dioxide found in addition is not toxic to humans, but causes severe tiredness and drowsiness. Not exactly ideal if you want to be fresh and powerful as an athlete. If you find this substance in the air, you can assume that the rooms are poorly ventilated.
After reading the study carefully, I personally can’t think of a nicer thought than going out for a run tomorrow morning in the Hamburg summer drizzle. And you?
