How Acoustic Panels Transformed Pulse Fit Training
Tackling Gym Noise with Acoustic Panels at Pulse Fit Training in Danvers, MA
When it comes to fitness, energy and motivation are essential—but so is communication. At Pulse Fit Training in Danvers, MA, owner Pete ran into an unexpected challenge after moving his growing business into a new training facility: gym noise.
The new space had hard walls, exposed ceilings, and no sound-absorbing materials. Unlike his previous location, which had acoustic ceiling tiles that naturally softened sound, this new space turned every word, music track, and cue into a wash of echoes. For trainers relying on microphones and speakers to guide clients through workouts, poor speech intelligibility quickly became a serious issue.
That’s where DDS Acoustical Specialties came in.
The Noise Challenge in the Gym
When Pete contacted us, his main concern was that the sound in the new gym was overwhelming. Trainers’ voices carried, but not clearly. The echo muddled instructions, music bounced across the space, and members found it difficult to hear during group training.
Our team conducted an acoustic assessment to measure the reverberation time (the amount of time sound lingers in a space after being produced). Before treatment, the reverb time measured 4.2 seconds—far too high for a functional training environment where clarity of voice is essential.
In simpler terms, this meant that every word spoken into the microphone hung in the air for over four seconds, overlapping with the next words and creating a jumble of sound. Not only did this impact communication, it also created listener fatigue and reduced the overall training experience.
Our Acoustic Solution
After assessing the space, we designed a solution to target gym noise directly:
- 800 square feet of 2-inch-thick fabric-wrapped acoustic panels
- Strategic placement on walls and other accessible areas to maximize coverage
- RotoFast Snap-On anchors to ensure a secure, efficient installation
- The goal was to reduce the reverberation time from 4.2 seconds to 1.2 seconds—a dramatic improvement that would transform the sound environment.
We worked with Pete to identify high-reflection zones, distributing the panels evenly throughout the gym to create balanced absorption. By doing this, we ensured that both the trainers’ voices and the sound system could be heard with clarity across the room, whether someone was in the front row or the back.
The Results
The transformation was immediate. Once the panels were installed, our follow-up assessment confirmed the reverb time had dropped to 1.2 seconds, right within the optimal range for speech intelligibility for a gym and training environment.
Pete shared his experience:
"It’s a huge improvement. I’m glad that if I was investing in something like this that it was done right, and DDS Acoustical was great to work with."
Members noticed the difference too. Music sounded cleaner, announcements and cues were easy to understand, and the overall training environment became more enjoyable.
How Acoustic Panels Work in Gyms
Gym noise is a common issue in fitness spaces. Hard walls, mirrors, exposed ceilings, and open layouts are great for aesthetics but terrible for acoustics. Sound waves bounce off these surfaces, building up reverberation that blurs voices and amplifies unwanted background noise.
Acoustic panels are designed to solve this problem. Here’s how:
- Sound Absorption: The fabric-wrapped panels we used at Pulse Fit contain a dense core material that absorbs sound energy rather than reflecting it back into the room.
- Clarity of Speech: By reducing echo, panels improve speech intelligibility—critical in gyms where trainers need to communicate over music and background noise.
- Balanced Acoustics: Panels spread throughout the room prevent “hot spots” of echo or dead zones of silence, ensuring a consistent sound experience.
- Comfort and Safety: Clear communication reduces the risk of missed instructions during workouts and creates a more professional environment for members.
Learn more about our Fabric Wrapped Acoustic Panels
Why Gym Owners Should Consider Acoustic Treatment
What Pete experienced at Pulse Fit is common across many gyms and fitness studios. If your space has high ceilings, exposed ductwork, or concrete walls, you’ve likely struggled with similar gym noise issues.
Here are some benefits of adding acoustic panels to gyms:
- Improved Member Experience: Clients hear instructions clearly and enjoy music without distortion.
- Better Trainer Efficiency: Trainers no longer have to strain their voices or repeat instructions.
- Professional Environment: A well-treated acoustic space elevates the perception of your brand.
- Versatility: Acoustic panels can be customized in size, thickness, and fabric color to complement your gym’s branding and style.
At DDS Acoustical Specialties, we help gyms of all sizes create better environments by addressing the root cause of gym noise—echo and reverberation.
Read more about Gym Noise Control
Where Acoustic Panels Make the Biggest Impact
While Pulse Fit Training benefited from strategically placed wall panels, other gyms can take advantage of acoustic treatment in areas such as:
- Group Training Rooms – where clear speech is critical for synchronized exercises
- Cardio Zones – where equipment and TVs create constant background noise
- Open Training Floors – where hard surfaces amplify music and chatter
- Studios with Microphones – where poor speech intelligibility makes headsets ineffective
Every gym is different, which is why we tailor our solutions to the size, layout, and specific needs of each client.
Conclusion
At Pulse Fit Training, gym noise went from being a frustrating problem to a solved issue thanks to the installation of acoustic panels. By reducing reverberation from 4.2 seconds down to 1.2 seconds, we helped create a training space where speech is clear, music is balanced, and members enjoy a more professional fitness experience.
As Pete, the owner, said—it’s not just about fixing a problem, it’s about doing it right. That’s what we deliver at DDS Acoustical Specialties.
If your gym, studio, or training center is struggling with noise issues, contact us today. We’ll assess your space, provide tailored recommendations, and help you transform your facility into a place where sound supports your goals—not hinders them.