AboutDaphne E Brown MS CPRP Expertise I will answer questions concerning exercise, nutrition, health and diseases related to obesity or sedentary lifestyle. I can also answer questions about being an aerobics/group exercise leader or questions about getting certified with AFAA.
Experience Receiving my Masters of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, I have been Fitness Director on board Royal Caribbean luxury cruise ships, I have given training seminars for aspiring group exercise leaders; I am certified and I work for Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). I was Senior Exercise Physiologist and lecturer at the Internationally renowned Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa at Turnberry Island Resort in Miami, Florida for almost 10 years and I was also the Fitness Assessment Coordinator at the exclusive Fisher Island Spa Internazionale on exclusive Fisher Island in Miami Beach (famous residents of the island include Oprah Winfrey, Andre Agassi, and Sharon Gless). I've competed in AAU and NAC Aerobics competitions. Currently, I am the Adminstrative Manager for a Municipal Parks and Recreation Department and own a Fitness/Lifestyle planning business. I have been in the Fitness industry for over seventeen years and here on AllExperts since 1999.
Question I am 53 years old and I have been doing Jazzercise for the last 3 years. I am post menapausal and realize that my internal thermometer is higher than younger women. However, today the owner of the Jazzercise center that I attend posted a sign that said "Oprah says that exercise rooms should be kept at 80 degrees" and from here on the thermostat at the center would be set at 80. We have had issues with this lady before over the temp of the center being too hot. My question is, what is the ideal temperature to do exercise and should I find another place to work out before I fall out. Dot Black
Answer **Suggestions offered here may or may not necessarily be regarded as a solution to your situation. Always consult your physician whenever you change or add to an exercise/nutritional regimen**
Hi Dot. Thanks for sending me your question and waiting for a response. You do have a right to be concerned about your exercise and the room temperature.
In my professional opinion, that sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen, especially if someone passes out from heat exhaustion during one of their exercise classes. I have been teaching aerobics for almost 15 years and never have heard such a thing.
Here's the thing. Normal body temperature should be generally at 98.6 degrees Farenheit at rest. During exercise, your body regulates it's temperature by sweating, which simply put, releases excess body heat into the environment outside away from body. That's why if you are outside exercising and it's hot, experts tell you to hydrate frequently to replenish the fluid that you lose sweating. They also warn you not to exercise when it's really hot, particularly during the summer months. I usually cancel fitness indoor classes if the AC is not working properly. What if there are pregnant women in the class (especially in their first trimester) who should not get their core temperature past around 100 degrees (can damage the embryo/fetus)? Some yoga instructors teach in a sauna (which is crazy to me) because of whatever reason. None of this accounts for basic human anatomy and physiology.
There may have been someone on Oprah who had a reason for saying that, but probably not for the reason your fitness club is using the information as an excuse to crank up the temperature. If it were me, I would find someplace who keeps the AC nice and cool, 60-70 degrees depending on what you are doing and how many warm bodies are taking the class. Hope this helps!!! Take care - Daphne
