We want our gyms and training centers to be clean, which makes UV light disinfection a vital asset to these spaces. The biggest reason for this is the gym’s function: intense exercise. When large groups of people are working out, they are inherently breathing harder and faster than in other public spaces. Faster and heavier breathing means more expulsion of dangerous airborne germs that can contribute to the transmission of viruses that negatively impact member health. Because of this, choosing to invest in highly effective UV light disinfection fixtures is the best way to protect your patrons – and your gym’s reputation.
Aside from the heavier and faster breathing that typically happens during intense exercise, gyms also face high levels of foot traffic daily. High-density areas demand a higher standard of air cleanliness to prove that your business is fully committed to member health by providing the cleanest air possible. This blog will examine how UV light disinfection can make gyms a healthier and safer environment by eliminating enough airborne germs and bacteria so that patrons stay healthy.
How UVC Light Combats Unique Gym Air Challenges
Gyms are sweaty environments, which can certainly pose significant cleaning challenges. However, the real cleaning challenge lies in the very air your clients are breathing. Tiny airborne bacteria particles can be transmitted quickly and linger in the air for hours after an ill patron has left the space. The three primary reasons that gyms pose larger health risks due to airborne particles include:
- Increased bioaerosol – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pollen — production
- Ventilation limitations
- Presence of common illnesses
UV Light Solutions for High-Exertion Pathogen Loads
Studies show that airborne transmission of severe illnesses can increase significantly during indoor exercise – on average by about 132-fold. This is because when people are working hard at the gym lifting, running, or training, they typically breathe faster, deeper, and more strained. This results in much higher levels of germs and other harmful bacteria entering the shared air. During peak hours, when dozens of people gather in small spaces, this can result in significant amounts of unclean, unsafe air.
Dilution is Not UVC Light Disinfection: The HVAC Gap
If your gym is relying on HVAC circulation alone, then you’re just cycling the germs, not actually eliminating them. Conventional HVAC systems in gyms are often poorly equipped for handling the massive amount of contamination the air in these spaces can hold, making them ineffective at offering any air purifying solutions. This is because their main function is dilution and temperature control. Standard ventilation systems like HVAC systems operate by replacing or diluting indoor air with clean air from the outdoors. In a gym, the amount of harmful particles in the air demands a stronger solution to keep these germs under control and keep patrons safe.
What makes UV light disinfection the ideal partner for your gym’s HVAC system is its air-cleaning abilities. When your HVAC is cycling clean air that is constantly being treated by the Farlite® Solutions UVPhasor® fixture, it spreads the clean air throughout the facility, instead of the harmful bacteria.
How UVC Light Targets Airborne Threats
Many people don’t realize how many dangerous pathogens are in the air they breathe, especially in high-density spaces like gyms. UVC light disinfection is essential for targeting these germs and keeping your patrons safe while they work out. What makes targeting airborne particles more difficult than targeting droplet particles of common illnesses is that airborne particles are significantly smaller. They are most often expelled during talking, breathing, or shouting – all of which are common occurrences during gym sessions. UVC light targets these airborne particles by physically disrupting the DNA and RNA of the microorganisms, rendering them unable to replicate and infect patrons.
This happens because of the UVC light’s unique wavelength shape. Unlike the other two types of UV light, UVA and UVB, UVC rays have a short enough wavelength to physically render germs ineffective and, with proper engineering such as with the UVPhasor, without causing harm to a room’s occupants.
24/7 Disinfection: The Mechanism of Upper-Air UVC
Gyms could benefit greatly from installing upper-air UVC light fixtures like the UVPhasor. This is because, as the air is constantly challenged by exertion and high traffic, cleaning needs go far beyond simple spray-and-sweep solutions. At Farlite Solutions, we install our UV light disinfection system along your ceiling, with the lights pointing upward. Not only does this protect all employees and guests from excessive exposure to the light, but it also targets the most concentrated areas for airborne bacteria. This helps treat the air as it rises with the floating pathogens, preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and particles from room to room and person to person.
Safety and Comfort Benefits of UV Light Disinfection
By installing and maintaining your UVC light disinfection fixture, you’re not only defending your facility from harmful germs, but you can also directly improve the member experience. This includes improving respiratory health for all your members, in addition to improving the gym’s air quality and scent.
UV light disinfection reduces the transmission of common illnesses and pathogens within your gym. Everyone can relate to avoiding crowded spaces during common cold outbreaks, Flu season, and periods when everyone seems congested – but that can mean missing workouts that keep your immune system healthy. By investing in UVPhasor fixtures for your gym, you can give your patrons more confidence in your facility and your staff’s dedication to their health and wellness – helping promote your brand’s identity as a healthy space.
Another aspect of gyms that many users can relate to is that uncanny, all-too-familiar gym smell, which can be significantly improved with UV light disinfection. Many odor-causing compounds, such as bacteria and airborne mold spores, can be removed by these fixtures, improving the smell and overall air quality in your facility. This will enhance the daily experience of both your patrons and your staff.
Lastly, typical chemical sprays not only contain toxic, unsafe ingredients when used frequently but also rely on human skill, often resulting in missed spots and ineffective coverage. The difference between UV light disinfection and typical chemical sprays is that Farlite’s UV light fixtures operate continuously, offering a consistent, reliable process that is inherently safe in all spaces – without toxic or irritating chemicals.
UVC Light Disinfection: The Future of Fitness Center Safety
Traditional cleaning methods and HVAC circulation simply miss the mark when it comes to air quality in fitness centers or gyms. UVC light disinfection is the most reliable, consistent, and safe method for cleaning airborne particles in nearly every space within your facility, including:
- Side-by-side rows of cardio equipment
- Weight-lifting rooms
- Small studio spaces for Pilates or yoga
- Locker rooms and bathrooms
If you want to improve air quality in your fitness center or gym and demonstrate a genuine commitment to your clients’ health and well-being, UV light disinfection is the perfect solution. Our adaptable, customizable fixtures can offer around-the-clock cleaning that is safe, cost-effective, and highly effective. Contact us today for a UV light disinfection estimate for your gym.