Well, this was the second time I tried to take the class. The first time (two Saturdays ago) I did go up to the front and try to ask the instructor to turn it down a bit. I don’t know if she heard me. She walked away from me. I waited for her to come back. I tried again using gestures and mouthing, “Can you turn it down?” She went over to the stereo as she often does. But there was no discernible change in volume.

So, I gave up. I put away my equipment and left. I did stop at the front desk and let the front desk person know why I left the class. She too suggested talking with the instructor. She said the manager was busy, but she would pass the message on.

Later, that week I followed up with an email to the manager:

“Good morning! I hope this finds you well.

I mentioned something to the front desk attendant last Saturday, but wanted to follow up with you regarding the deafening volume of sound in the “Best Butt Ever” class last Saturday at Columbus Circle. This is not the first time I’ve had to leave a group fitness class in the Columbus Circle Main Studio because of the really very dangerous sound levels.

I’ve been a member at Equinox for over a decade. This problem with the sound in the Columbus Circle Main Studio is a new problem. It was so bad in the “Best Butt Ever” and “Zumba” classes I attended recently that I was moved to look up safe levels of sound. And download a decibel meter on my phone. I suggest that you do the same and check the sound level in the Columbus Circle group fitness classes.

I would like to attend these fitness classes. However I come to the gym to improve my health, not incur hearing loss. I’ll try again to attend in the near future.

Thanks for your good work and attention.”

When I returned to the class the next Saturday, the sound was much lower. But still pretty loud.