Getting gym lighting just right
The quality of lighting in gyms is pivotal to ensuring that facilities of this kind function exactly as expected. Since most of them have little or no natural light, the how and where of the luminaires that are installed in gyms play a key role in user well-being and safety, as well as customer fidelity. The right installations can also enhance sustainability and energy savings.
In this article we will talk about...
- Key considerations for lighting in gyms
- The ideal level of lighting for gyms
- The most common types of lights
- SECOM sports lights
Key considerations for lighting in gyms
If we want the lighting in home gyms or public gyms to enhance user concentration and activity, it must meet certain basic requirements. Moreover, given that gyms are divided up into so many different areas, it is important to break lighting projects up into sections.
Controls and motion sensors are an important consideration. Gym-goers use the facilities at different times of the day; some start their day off with an early-morning session, while others prefer to exercise late in the evening. Luminosity changes significantly between the early hours of the morning and last thing at night. Therefore, controlled lighting is an essential part of achieving the desired outcome.
Whatever the case, LED lights have several characteristics that render them perfect for these spaces. They can help to generate electricity bill savings in excess of 20%. Furthermore, they are adaptable and come in a range of formats.
For example, LED strip lights installed around entrances, on stairs and along corridors can give gyms a modern vibe. Recessed lights and panelled lighting are good choices when it comes to visual comfort in weights rooms. Coloured bulbs are an option if we want to create a more innovative and creative ambience.
The lighting in different areas
The light around us is important because it affects our body’s circadian rhythm which, in turn, impacts our energy levels. We need to account for this when we design light installations for gyms. Physical activity is the key purpose of a gym, but there are also break rooms, areas for less energetic activities, such as yoga and meditation, and waiting rooms. The following are just some of the typical spaces and areas we can find in gyms.
- Training room
- Cardio or CrossFit room
- Aerobic activities room
- Relaxation activities room
- Reception
- Break room or waiting room
- Changing rooms and showers.
In rooms where activities are held, the right kinds of luminaires are white, cold lights. The light should be somewhat softer, however, in lounges, waiting rooms and changing rooms.
Colour temperatures to suit each space
Colour temperatures in gyms need to get progressively colder or neutral as the activity in each room increases in intensity. We also need to account for where and how much light is reflected onto floors and walls. If possible, we should make the most of natural light. In addition, the colour temperature needs to be between 4000 and 5000 K.
Achieving homogeneity, preventing shadows and avoiding glare
The aim is a bright space with no shadows, flickers or glare. Gym-goers often spend time facing upwards on gym benches or apparatus, so it is important to position luminaires such that they do not bother or distract clients.
Energy savings
Compared with more conventional lights, LED luminaires are 80% more efficient so, even if the initial outgoing is greater than some of the alternatives, we can quickly pay the investment off.
The ideal level of lighting for gyms
On the whole, the lighting in gyms should be somewhere between 200 and 500 Lux. To this, we have to add the reflection coming off the floor and walls. In other words, the design and aesthetics of a gym have an impact on the choice of illumination.
The most common types of lights
These are some of the most popular choices of light for gyms:
LED panels
LED panels are easy to fit onto ceilings and they afford gyms a linear appearance and contemporary feel. Panels tend to be the luminaire of choice in spaces with removable ceiling slabs, but they can provide excellent levels of direct and indirect light from any surface. In addition, they are very versatile.
Suspended lights
Suspended lights can give spaces a creative and modern look that has a designer touch but without compromising the quality of the light. They are an ideal option when it comes to gyms with very high ceilings. They can help to enhance the appearance of spaces with an industrial look, large windows and spacious rooms.
Recessed and surface lights
Recessed and surface lights can help to save space. Plus, they are easy to install and do not interfere with the interior design of the building. They are available in many different sizes and styles and are incredibly durable and resistant.
SECOM sports lights
At SECOM, we have a wide range of lighting solutions for gyms and other types of sports facilities. LED luminaries have a useful life in excess of 50,000 hours and they require very little maintenance.
Innvictum
Even though this sports facility floodlight is mainly installed on sports courts, it is also a good choice for gyms. In addition to being incredibly flexible and durable, it is easy to install. It has modules that can be pivoted and positioned as required, a laser pointer device and a rotating base.
Esdium sport HE
This highly efficient luminaire is designed for use in all kinds of sports facilities, including football pitches, sports halls, gyms, courts and so on. It was conceived specifically with this purpose in mind and performs spectacularly well in spaces where competitions and events are held.
Gym lighting projects undoubtedly need to begin with a thorough analysis, followed by precise scheduling of each step of the process. They need to fit the bill in terms of design, sustainability and, above all, the physical exercise that takes place in gyms.
