Personal training space closed for a month due to climate issues

A few areas in the sports building on Woudestein campus are experiencing climate control problems and will be closed for a few weeks starting 16 December. As a result, some personal training sessions will be cancelled.

The ventilation system in the sports building, which was inaugurated in 2022, has proven inadequate in certain rooms. “On warm days it’s slightly too hot, and on cold days slightly too cold”, says Jon de Ruijter, director of Erasmus Sport. In the narrow, tall personal training space located to the right of the main entrance, air circulation is insufficient, causing warm air to linger near the ceiling on colder days. Meanwhile, the floor – where the workouts take place – remains icy cold.

Not designed for the purpose

Personal trainer Zev de Raad is glad the issue is being addressed. “We do have a thermostat here in the PT space, but it’s mostly symbolic. I hardly notice any heating during the winter.” He explains that it was only after the building opened that the narrow space at the front was designated for personal training. “It wasn’t originally designed for exercise.”

With its large windows and high ceilings, solving the heating problem is not straightforward. The planned solution involves installing additional ceiling fans and increasing heating capacity.

Training in the fitness room

De Ruijter expects the disruption to be minimal as the office and PT space closures mostly coincide with the Christmas holiday. “No classes are scheduled during that period, and many staff members are on leave.”

De Raad notes that he will have less work starting 16 December. “Fortunately, we’re allowed to move personal training sessions to the fitness room while the sports building is officially closed, from 22 December to 1 January. However, before and after this period, we can’t use the busy fitness area for personal training. That’s a pity for those hoping to kick off the new year with a strong start.”

Vitaal Intensief

Vitaal Intensief, a free circuit training for staff held every weekday at 5.00 pm, will also be paused during the renovation. “Employees with good intentions are welcome again from 12 January”, says De Raad.