Aerobic music volume

Any approaches that have worked to get aerobic and spinning teachers to lower
the volume? I hate to complain in EVERY class--the instructors turn it down
that time but seem to resent the request and jack it up the next time.

Maybe it's me, but excessive volume means I can't hear the instructor's
cues...and I get a headache.

My understanding is that too much exposure to loud music will affect hearing as
people age--so all of us who have been doing V-steps for a hundred years will
suffer eventually.

Has anyone ever approached club management? Are there statistics about
recommended decibels?

In article <20040824153306.28808.00001539 RemoveThis @mb-m26.aol.com>,
debitrc RemoveThis @aol.com (DebITRC) wrote:

> Any approaches that have worked to get aerobic and spinning teachers to lower
> the volume? I hate to complain in EVERY class--the instructors turn it down
> that time but seem to resent the request and jack it up the next time.
>
> Maybe it's me, but excessive volume means I can't hear the instructor's
> cues...and I get a headache.

No, it is probably not you. It is due to a poorly designed system. Most clubs
fall into two categories - what stereo did they buy or what idiot did they hire
to furnish and install a sound system that has little or no knowledge about the
subject and has never even been to a class? Oh, then let's make it more
difficult by putting it in a room that has mirrors and glass on all 4 walls with
a high ceiling.

If the system is poorly designed (which can include using the wrong speakers for
the job, too few speakers and/or inadequate electronics) then the end result
every time is an increase in ibuprofen consumption.

Aerobic systems need special consideration as they require high intelligibility
plus a decent overall response for music. No, this combination is not found at
Best Buy. Spin systems need a different set of criteria. And a "nice" stereo
system won't do, it will only blow up!

We have been designing sound systems for these applications for decades and
since I can't be there to help, here is one tip that will help. *Always* start
with the voice. "Hi folks. Let's get
started....talk...talk...talk...something...".

THEN add the music. If you start with the music on a substandard system, you
will never, never, get the vocals on top. Ever.

>
> My understanding is that too much exposure to loud music will affect hearing
> as people age--so all of us who have been doing V-steps for a hundred years
> will suffer eventually.

Absolutely and you are in danger of hearing loss as well as issues with your
vocal cords as an instructor.
>
> Has anyone ever approached club management? Are there statistics about
> recommended decibels?

All you really need is a Radio Shack sound level meter and a watch:

OSHA Sound Exposure Limits Before Permanent Hearing Loss

Exposure Time Exposure Level (measured in dB SPL)
8 Hours 90 dB SPL
6 Hours 92 dB SPL
4 Hours 95 dB SPL
3 Hours 97 dB SPL
2 Hours 100 dB SPL
1.5 Hours 102 dB SPL
1 Hour 105 dB SPL
.5 Hour 110 dB SPL
<.25 Hour 115 dB SPL
--
Regards,

Klay Anderson
http://www.klay.com
1-800-FOR-KLAY