Having issues with members turning off fans during class. Aren't fans beneficial? members believe they lose more weight.

Many people mistakenly believe the myth that sweating helps with weight loss. This article has a good explanation to debunk that: http://www.livestrong.com/article/414612-how-does-sweating-make-you-lose.... As Harris mentioned there can be health risks with overheating. If people do not like the fans suggest they position themselves further away. You can also point out that it is easier to work harder when the body is not overheated, and they will burn more calories that way.

Hi Colleen,

it seems that some myths never die. The other day I saw those 'sweat suits' in a store :-(

If you felt almost like passing out after 15 minutes of teaching, you already have the answer whether fans are beneficial. Do not forget that your personal health and safety should be your first concern.

You can point out the risks of overheating, and if your participants still insist, they can put on an extra sweater in your class.

Stay cool.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

Thanks for the responses. Some of my members feel the fans are circulating germs and that when the fans on they are getting sick from germs of other members. It's a constant battle. I've had people turn the fans off right after I turned them on and walked back to the front of the room. It's crazy!!!

Aside from the sweat to loose weight myth (echoing Karin's sigh here) you might point out that a moist warm environment is a great place to grow fungus and bacteria. Good ventilation is probably even more important than the fans.

I do agree with Harris that you need to make an executive decision on this. A good start is to ask the facility if there is a rule about the fans/temperature etc, and then let your students know that that is the policy and you must enforce it.

I teach yoga at a place that has one room that is shared with aerobics. The temperature is kept cooler, with which I agree. It would be more comfortable for us to be 10 degrees warmer, but it would be dangerous for them!

Good luck with this.

Hi Colleen,

When I teach my classes I am in control of the fans. I always accommodate a request to turn them on because my concern is overheating. (I let my class know this). You will always have some who don't want them on--you can't please everyone! Stand your ground and do what is best for the class. They will respect you for it.

Take care and good luck!

Christine

Hi Colleen. While your members are correct that they may lose more 'water weight' without fans or other cooling devices, they need to know that this 'loss' is very temporary since it returns once they rehydrate. But, aside from this fallacy, the truth is not overheating during their exercise is simply safer for them and I agree that I would simply make use of the fans, or at least maintaining the workout areas/gym at a safe and recommended temperature MANDATORY - end of story. After all, there are gym standards out there for recommended temperatures in the gym.

I hope that this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com