How to eliminate echo and reverberation in a gym
The ACROBAT ASD case study
In a gym with high ceilings, music and group classes, the problem is often not the volume: it is the acoustics. In this case study, we explain how Garvan sound-absorbing panels helped reduce echo and reverberation inside the ACROBAT ASD pole dance gym in Faenza.
When a sports environment is large, tall and characterised by reflective surfaces, the instructor’s voice can lose clarity. Explanations become harder to follow, especially when music and physical activity are happening at the same time.
At ACROBAT ASD, the acoustic treatment was integrated with suspended ceiling panels and wall-mounted panels.
The problem: too much reverberation during lessons
ACROBAT ASD is a gym specialised in pole dance, opened in September 2023 by Laura Vigna and Monica Franzil. The facility hosts pole dance classes, competitive activities, flexibility training and strength conditioning.
Pole dance is a discipline that combines strength, technique, elegance and coordination. During a lesson, communication between instructor and students is constant and essential.
The main issue in the room was related to the reverberation generated by the height of the structure. People standing in the last rows struggled more to hear instructions clearly, especially during warm-up sessions, when music was also playing.
The issue was not increasing the volume. The real challenge was making the voice clearer by reducing sound reflections building up in the room.
DO YOU HAVE A SPACE TO IMPROVE?
The configurator helps you describe your space and understand which acoustic solution may be most suitable. If you prefer, you can also contact us directly.
Why echo and reverberation are so common in gyms
Many sports spaces share similar acoustic characteristics: large volumes, high ceilings, smooth walls, hard flooring and very few sound-absorbing surfaces.
In these conditions, sound bounces repeatedly off the surfaces. This creates a sound tail that makes speech less intelligible and increases the feeling of confusion.
- instructions become less clear;
- instructors need to raise their voice more;
- music can cover spoken instructions;
- people further away struggle to follow;
- the environment becomes more tiring to experience.
In a gym, acoustics are not a secondary detail. They directly affect lesson quality, communication and the overall comfort of the space.
The solution: ceiling and wall sound-absorbing panels
To improve the gym’s acoustic quality, suspended ceiling sound-absorbing panels and a composition of wall-mounted sound-absorbing panels were installed.
The ceiling intervention is particularly important in tall spaces because it intercepts a significant portion of sound reflections developing in the upper part of the room.
The wall treatment, on the other hand, was designed as a customised artistic composition, combining acoustic performance with the visual identity of the space.
The result: clearer explanations and a more comfortable environment
After installing the sound-absorbing panels, instructors experienced a concrete improvement in communication during lessons.
Voices became easier to understand, and instructions reached even the people in the furthest positions with greater clarity.
- better speech intelligibility;
- less confusion during classes;
- better listening even with background music;
- less need to raise the volume;
- a more pleasant experience for instructors and students.
This shows how acoustic treatment can improve not only sound quality but also the everyday functionality of a sports space.
Watch the case study video
In this video, we share the project developed at ACROBAT ASD and the improvement achieved after installing Garvan sound-absorbing panels.
Where acoustic treatment can improve sports spaces
Not all gyms are the same, but many sports environments share similar acoustic issues. Whenever voice, music and physical activity coexist in the same space, reverberation control becomes essential.
- gyms and training rooms, where the instructor’s voice must remain clear;
- dance studios, where music and technical guidance coexist;
- yoga and pilates studios, where acoustic comfort contributes to the overall experience;
- fitness environments, where music can increase the sense of confusion;
- sports centres, where large volumes and hard surfaces increase reverberation.
In these environments, improving acoustics means making the space clearer, more comfortable and more suitable for the activities taking place inside.
Our solutions
Garvan collections are designed to combine acoustic performance, design and materials in one architectural language.
Not just panels, but surfaces that become part of the space.
Discover all collections →
The key point
Eliminating echo and reverberation in a gym does not simply mean making the environment quieter. It means improving communication, reducing listening fatigue and making lessons more effective.
The ACROBAT ASD case study shows how targeted acoustic treatment can transform the perception of a space while preserving its aesthetic identity.
When voice, music and movement coexist in the same environment, acoustics become part of the experience.
DO YOU HAVE A SPACE TO IMPROVE?
The configurator helps you describe your space and understand which acoustic solution may be most suitable. If you prefer, you can also contact us directly.
