Statistics continue to confirm that heart attacks account for at least forty percent of all firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Consequently, more and more Fire Departments are acknowledging the importance of wellness and physical fitness programs for the health and safety of their staff. The most common course of action is to incorporate a physical fitness training room into an existing or new fire station. Whether low budget or no budget, there are some fundamental criteria that you should consider in the design and layout of this space.

Physical Dimensions
The ideal size for your new fitness room is a resultant of the quantity and types of equipment and fitness programs desired. Essentially, determine what you want in your room and then determine how big it needs to be. Generate a list of the desired fitness equipment and obtain cut sheets showing physical dimensions and clearances. Remember to consider future equipment if your budget limits your initial purchase. Using the data provided, create a room plan and begin to arrange the equipment taking notice of the recommended clearances, locations for power, and wall mounting requirements, if any. Some equipment suppliers will offer to layout the equipment for you as part of the purchase. When dealing with an existing space or a predetermined size resulting from budget and square footage constraints the type and sizes of equipment must fit within the physical limitations of the room. Additional space should be set aside for stretching, general calisthenics and for teaching basic self-defense skills to first responders. Don't under estimate the importance of ceiling height as you evaluate your equipment purchase. For example, higher-grade stair climbers can elevate the user 24" or higher above the floor. If you can accommodate a higher ceiling in your design, do so.

Location
The most ideal location for a physical fitness training room is on an exterior wall with windows and direct exterior access. The obvious benefits of natural light, views, and ventilation should not be overlooked. Additionally, fire fighters like to incorporate outside fitness such as jogging, basketball, and calisthenics as part of their fitness routine. Having direct and easy access to fitness room amenities from outside is therefore desirable. Exterior access can also greatly simplify deliveries and installation of oversized exercise equipment.

For many reasons, not all fitness rooms can be so ideally situated. It is important to try your best to avoid locating the fitness room immediately adjacent to the dormitory. Quite often, they are relegated to the basement, station interior, and in some cases an upper floor. If this is the case, then consider the proximity to shower/restroom/and locker rooms, dormitory areas, office or classroom areas and of course, emergency response to the apparatus bays.

Perimeter Construction
The surrounding walls and floor structure must always be considered when designing your fitness room. It's a given that these rooms will be noisy, take a physical beating, and subjected to heavy loads and vibration. We recommend that perimeter walls be full height from sub-floor to underside of the structure above. Insulate all walls for sound and consider installing plywood behind your wallboard or finished wall surface. The plywood will provide increased wall stiffness and stability for hanging equipment and accessories, improved impact resistance, and contribute to the wall acoustical rating. The floor structure will need reinforcement or design for the heavy loads, vibrations, and anchorage associated with your selected equipment. Make sure a structural engineer has reviewed the immediate and future design intentions.

Flooring
Fortunately, there are many flooring options to fit your need and budget. These can range from bare finished concrete to high impact mats or gymnasium grade wood. The final solution may be a combination of two or more types of floor finishes allowing for budget and program flexibility. Low cost solutions include sealed concrete, vinyl composition tile (VCT), and commercial grade carpet. If you choose carpeting, consider an anti-microbial line for the obvious reasons. Some clients have gravitated to these low cost solutions for the ease of cleaning, maintenance and relatively low replacement costs. A step up in quality and protection is the use of rubberized flooring or mats. Most versions come in interlocking mats, usually 36" square, or 48" wide rolls. Depending on the thickness, this product can range in price from $1.50 - $4.00 per square foot. The durability, comfort, and acoustical properties make this solution extremely attractive. Make sure your selection is slip resistant and easy to clean. Some exercise equipment distributors will supply the floor mats as part of the equipment purchase allowing you to pull it out of your construction budget. At a minimum, make sure there is a sealed or finished floor below these mats to protect from spills and perspiration. Gymnasium grade floors are rare but certainly can be considered if the space, program and budget allows.

Environment
It is important not to overlook the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting for a fitness room. The ideal temperature for this space will be as varied as the number of people utilizing this room. In most cases, a separate zone exclusively for your fitness area is not obtainable. Realizing this, consider supplementing this shortcoming with an additional exhaust fan, operable windows, and ceiling fans if the room height will accommodate them. Lighting levels must be appropriate for the safe use of all equipment. Be conscious of glare related distractions caused from locating light fixtures directly over weight benches or near television screens. Multiple switching arrangements will allow for some flexibility.

Additional Design Suggestions

• Locate a drinking fountain preferably inside or in close proximity to the fitness room.

• Provide wall or ceiling mounted televisions located for maximum exposure. Make sure cable jacks and outlet mounting heights are correctly located and provide blocking in the wall or ceiling for mounting brackets.

• Install wall mounted mirrors near equipment where proper form and technique are essential.

• Oversize one door to allow for easier equipment installation - 3'-4" to 3'-6" wide.

• Make sure the correct power is supplied to required equipment and locations. Don't forget to consider future equipment and voltage requirements.

• Provide a wall mounted telephone/intercom.

• Have a strobe or lights connected to the alarm system. Remember these rooms can be noisy.

• Consider locating a panic button in the room for exercise related emergencies. Improve room safety with a small window in the door, or doors, for observation.

• Include a small closet for storage of misc. athletic equipment, towels or accessories.

• Provide hooks for hanging towels or clothing.

• Include bulletin boards for displaying exercise instructions and messages.

• Locate a restroom in close proximity.

• Consider the proximity and circulation flow from your fitness room to the apparatus bay.

Having the benefit of a well designed space and proper equipment will go a long way towards the development and implementation of a regular physical fitness and wellness program. Lets face it, exercise can be a real chore and an inviting workout room will improve the needed motivation. Ironically, for those dedicated to the saving of lives, the life they save may be their own.