Facility and Equipment Considerations

Question 1

What is the recommended air temperature for most classes where participants are engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity?

Answer 1

Between 68-72° F

Question 2

What is the ideal humidity level for most fitness classes?

Answer 2

Below 60%, 50% or lower is best

Question 3

What is an important consideration related to air flow in a fitness class?

Answer 3

Having an adequate mix of recirculated internal air and external fresh air moving through the facility.

Question 4

Where should mirrors ideally be positioned in a fitness class?

Answer 4

Across both the front and sides of the room

Question 5

What is the recommended water temperature for aquatic Exercise classes?

Answer 5

83-86° F.

Question 6

What can result from repeated jarring on an inappropriate flooring surface?

Answer 6

Stress fracture and tendinitis

Question 7

What is typical fitness room flooring made from?

Answer 7

3 Layers:
Bottom - shock absorbing materials
Middle - multiple layers of plywood
Top - rubber or wood.

Question 8

How frequently should mirrors and glass surfaces be cleaned?

Answer 8

Daily

Question 9

How frequently should wood floors be mopped?

Answer 9

Daily

Question 10

How frequently should exercise equipment be cleaned?

Answer 10

Daily

Question 11

What should be used to clean handles and seats of equipment?

Answer 11

Antibacterial soap and damp cloth

Question 12

What should be used to clean dumbbells and all bar handles?

Answer 12

Antimicrobial solution or antibacterial wipes

Question 13

How frequently should light fixtures be cleaned?

Answer 13

Monthly

Question 14

How frequently should walls be cleaned?

Answer 14

Monthly

Question 15

How frequently should audio equipment be cleaned?

Answer 15

Monthly

Question 16

How frequently should HVAC ducts be cleaned?

Answer 16

Monthly

Question 17

How frequently should wood floor surfaces be refinished?

Answer 17

Annually

Question 18

What arrangement is suggested for formats that rely on instructor demonstration?

Answer 18

Staggered arrangement

Question 19

For what type of classes does the parallel lines arrangement work best?

Answer 19

Circuit classes with stations, large Pilates reformer classes, and mat/floor-based classes.

Question 20

What is a benefit of the parallel lines arrangement for group classes?

Answer 20

It allows the instructor to walk up and down the rows to supervise.

Question 21

What types of classes does a circle arrangement work for?

Answer 21

Circuit training and boot-camp classes. It makes supervision simple and encourages a sense of community.

Question 22

What are the benefits of a horizontal line arrangement for a fitness class?

Answer 22

Everyone’s movement and coordination pattern can be seen in a synchronized manner from all angles.

Question 23

What types of classes work well in the horizontal line arrangement?

Answer 23

Kettlebell, suspension training, barre, and small/moderate reformer classes.

Question 24

What types of equipment issues can cause negligence/liability claims?

Answer 24

Substandard or defective equipment.
Improper assembly.
Inadequate spacing between equipment units per the manufacturer’s standards.
Failure to replace or remove defective equipment.
Failure to keep equipment clean.
Failure to provide appropriate instruction and adequate supervision.

Question 25

What are some specific equipment issues that instructors should watch for?

Answer 25

Chipped dumbbells or barbells
Torn or peeling rubber strip on step platforms
Tears or small nicks in resistance tubes
Broken pedal clips, stripped knobs, or saddle upholstery damage on spin bikes
Deflated/damaged stability balls
Torn yoga mats
Damaged flotation devices
Torn/fraying suspension straps
Broken springs on Pilates apparatus or rebounders

Question 26

What are some common set-up hazards relating to equipment?

Answer 26

Improper bike fit.
Incorrectly stacking step platforms atop risers.
Unfastened barbell clips.
Unstable suspension strap anchor.
Placing equipment on unleveled surfaces.
Incorrect foot bar, headrest, carriage, and tower set-up on reformers (and other Pilates apparatus).
Bench pop-pins not fastened or secured.

Question 27

What are some things that should be in a GFI’s duffle bag?

Answer 27

First-aid kit
Extra batteries
Sports drinks (for low blood sugar/dehydration)
Extra bottle of water
Hair ties/Bobby pins/safety pins
Headbands (for loose headsets)
Extra CDs, back up portable music devices
A/V cords
Microphone windscreens
Snacks
Towels
Dry change of clothes, extra socks
Deodorant
Wet wipes/hand sanitizer

Question 28

Why is carpeting a poor choice for group fitness rooms?

Answer 28

It can catch the edge of shoes during dynamic lateral movements or pivoting, resulting in ankle sprains or knee injuries. Also, carpeting is difficult to keep clean and can trap bacteria and odors.

Question 29

How high should the saddle be for an exercise bike in relation to the participant?

Answer 29

If the participant stands next to the bike with the knee at a 90 degree angle, the saddle should match the height of the thigh/lap.

Question 30

How is the proper saddle height for an exercise bike determined for a particular participant?

Answer 30

The knee should be at 25-35 degrees of flexion when the foot is at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

Question 31

How should the seat be positioned on an exercise bike for an individual participant?

Answer 31

With pedals at 3 and 9 o’clock positions, the rider’s knee cap should be directly above pedal spindle.

Question 32

Where should the handlebars be positioned for an exercise bike for an individual participant?

Answer 32

The same height or higher as the saddle for beginners. More experience may prefer a lower handlebar height.