Signages are part and parcel of our life. One would find signage in schools/ colleges, super markets, malls, hospitals, banks, legislation houses, industries and even in funeral grounds. Signage reminds us constantly where we are and passively creates an ambience suited for the place. Owners of fitness centers have an obligation to care for the users of the fitness facility. If this is not maintained then an injury can occur to the users that can be serious or even can be life threatening.
- It promotes awareness: An awareness of, what is available and who is available, can change the behavior of users. As a strategy, the signage can allow the users to discover what amenities, equipments, assistances and special services are available.
- It makes navigation easier: Sometimes a crowd of equipments and gadgets can make a newcomer scary. Signage for directions, describing the utilities of equipment, showing the results expected on using the equipment, contacting the staff who can help, etc. will create effective cognitive maps in the user and reduce their anxiety.
- It offers a description of how to use: Getting to know how to use equipment and what preparations to be done, enhances the participants experience in the gym. What the equipment does, how to use it and when not to use it, etc. can help the user in using the equipment safely and in preventing unwanted incidents.
There are many modern dynamic and interactive signages available that can be interfaced to web or computer programs by touch screens. Audio and video signage can be used in fitness centers. Such systems can very well aid in safety of the users and in lessening liability of the fitness center owners. Also they are very intresting tointeract with.
REFERENCES
Reiling J. (2006) Safe design of healthcare facilities. Qual Saf Health Care, 15(1):134-140.
James A. Peterson, PhD, and Stephen J. Tharrett,(2012) Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines-4th Edition , ACSM.
