The 'Issue' Is Facility Design

The 'solution' is to comply with written organizational standards and guidelines, as well as the suggestions and lessons learned from other industry professionals and suppliers.

Despite the lack of laws governing our rapidly growing industry, one thing is sure: Facility operators are looking for some standardization to improve the reputation of fitness centers, and to gain more credibility in the eyes of the consumer. Sixteen years ago, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) took the lead in this endeavor by creating the first set of standards and guidelines for the health/fitness industry. While some of you may be aware of the initial controversy over this first set of standards and guidelines, which led to the revised second and now the third editions, many are unaware of exactly what these standards detail. Indeed, it's not uncommon for the FM staff to receive emails asking for information that can be found in the ACSM Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines, Third Edition, which was published in 2006, as well as for questions to be posted in our e-Letter and on our website Readers Q&A forum seeking the same. So, to lead off this special report on facility design, below is an outline of what the standards and guidelines recommend for facility design and construction.

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