Noise Levels in Fitness Classes Are Still Too High: Evidence From 1997–1998 and 2009–2011

Abstract

ABSTRACT Fitness instructors routinely use high music volumes that may be harmful to hearing. This study assessed noise levels during 35 low-intensity and 65 high-intensity fitness classes in 1997–1998 and 2009–2011. Questionnaires examined instructors’ and clients’ preferred music volumes and whether they found loud music “stressful” or “motivating.” Noise levels in 1997–1998 and 2009–2011 were similar, frequently exceeding 90 dB(A). Although noise levels in low-intensity classes dropped from 88.9 to 85.6 dB(A), they remained high for high-intensity classes, averaging 93.1 dB(A). In 2009–2011, instructors preferred significantly higher volumes than clients for high-intensity classes. In both time periods, about 85% of instructors found loud music motivating, whereas about one fifth of clients found it stressful. The results suggest that noise exposure from fitness classes, particularly high-intensity classes, continues to pose a potential risk to hearing.