Case Study: Sidekicks for a CrossFit Gym

Case Study: Two Big Ass Fans Sidekick Units Transform Airflow at Travis County Strength

Customer: Travis County Strength
Location: Austin, Texas
Industry: Fitness / Athletics
Products: 2 × Big Ass Fans Sidekick Portable Fans
Use Case: Gym Cooling and Air Movement

The Situation

Austin, Texas gets hot—especially in the summer months. For a training facility like Travis County Strength, keeping athletes cool and comfortable isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. The gym’s wide-open space, loaded with lifting platforms, turf lanes, racks, and equipment, was becoming too warm and too humid for peak performance.

Traditional floor fans weren’t cutting it. They didn’t move enough air, couldn’t cover the entire space, and were often loud or clunky. With classes running all day and serious athletes working out in every corner of the facility, Travis County Strength needed a better cooling solution.

The Solution: Big Ass Fans Sidekick

To improve airflow without installing a permanent HVAC system, the team invested in two Big Ass Fans Sidekick units. These portable barrel fans are designed for spaces just like this—large, open, and constantly in motion.

Each Sidekick pushes out up to 11,000 CFM of airflow, which is enough to cool off entire zones of a gym floor with ease. Unlike standard box or pedestal fans, the Sidekick circulates air evenly and consistently without dead zones or hot spots.

Key features that made the Sidekick a fit for Travis County Strength:

• High-output airflow that cools people and equipment fast

• Compact, portable design with locking wheels for easy repositioning

• Quiet operation that doesn’t disrupt music or coaching

• Built to last, even in high-use environments like gyms and warehouses

• Plug-and-play setup—just roll it out and turn it on

Immediate Impact

Once the two Sidekick fans were up and running, the difference was clear.

Trainers and members immediately noticed the increased comfort. Whether they were working on Olympic lifts, cardio drills, or team circuits, airflow was stronger and more consistent throughout the gym. Instead of pockets of hot, stagnant air, there was a steady breeze that made workouts more manageable.

The most noticeable changes:

• Athlete comfort: The fans helped reduce overheating, especially during midday classes.

• Airflow coverage: Even the far corners of the gym felt cooler and less humid.

• Noise control: Sidekicks operated quietly in the background—no more shouting over noisy fans.

• Flexibility: Fans were moved daily based on workout flow and class size, thanks to their lightweight frame and easy-roll casters.

Why Sidekick Was the Right Fit

Travis County Strength didn’t need a permanent, expensive air conditioning overhaul. They needed a quick, effective fix that would make their space more livable during the heat—and that’s exactly what the Big Ass Fans Sidekick delivered.

This fan is ideal for:

• Gyms that want mobile cooling for different workout zones

• Industrial or warehouse spaces that need airflow without installing ducts

• Event venues, studios, or workshops that need quiet but powerful fans

It’s a go-to choice for commercial and athletic facilities that need performance and durability from their cooling equipment.

A Smart Cooling Upgrade

The investment in Sidekick fans helped Travis County Strength solve a major comfort problem without losing valuable training time or space. Since the Sidekicks arrived, workouts have become more breathable, classes run smoother, and members stay focused—regardless of how hot it gets outside.

This success story is a great example of what happens when the right cooling solution is matched to the right environment.

Final Thoughts

If you run a gym, studio, or open training space, airflow matters. A lot. And sometimes, all it takes is the right portable fan to make a huge difference.

At SwampCoolers.com, we carry the full line of Big Ass Fans, including the Sidekick, which continues to be one of our top sellers for athletic spaces. It’s durable, mobile, and delivers serious airflow in minutes.

Looking for the right cooling solution for your facility?
Check out the Big Ass Fans Sidekick and other commercial evaporative cooling options at SwampCoolers.com. Have questions? Our team is here to help you find the right fit.