Is it healthier to practise sport outdoors or indoors?

Improve athletic performance and add value to your sports centre.

We go to the gym to improve our health, strengthen our bodies and push our limits. In each training session, we focus on technique, weight or speed, but we overlook an environmental factor that directly influences our performance and well-being: the quality of the air we breathe. A gym is an extremely demanding environment. During intense physical exercise, our breathing rate skyrockets, inhaling up to 50 litres of air per minute, compared to the 6 litres we breathe at rest. This means that our exposure to any pollutants present in the environment multiplies exponentially.

The challenges in a gym are unique. The main one is the massive generation of carbon dioxide (CO₂). A spinning room or a crowded group class can quickly become a ‘CO₂ bubble’ if ventilation is inadequate. High levels of this gas reduce the availability of oxygen, which directly translates into increased fatigue, dizziness, lower endurance and slower recovery. Added to this is a drastic increase in humidity, caused by sweating and exhalation, which not only creates an uncomfortable feeling of ‘heavy air’ but also turns the space into an ideal breeding ground for mould and bacteria.

Furthermore, gyms have their own sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which contribute to the characteristic ‘gym smell’. These gases are emitted by the materials used in the machines, mats, rubber flooring and, significantly, by the cleaning and disinfecting products that are constantly used. Continuous air quality monitoring allows gym managers to move from reactive to proactive ventilation. Knowing CO₂, humidity and VOC levels in real time allows ventilation systems to be automated to act exactly when and where needed, ensuring an optimal environment for health and performance. Providing high-quality air is not a luxury, it is a direct investment in the member's experience and results, becoming a powerful factor in differentiation and loyalty.