We have all become very adaptable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by wearing masks, including while exercising at your workplace fitness centre.
While we are not training you for the Olympics, we are still staying on top of the latest information on high-intensity exercise. According to an article published March 9, 2021; the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that you SHOULD wear a mask while exercising indoors, even during high-intensity training. The article states that performance is not affected by wearing a mask during exercise.
https://www.nbcnews.com/shopping/wellness/cdc-masks-during-exercise-n1260261
There have been a few scientific tests performed on masks, if you are the type who loves to read about all the details, check out this article published Sept 2020 in Science Advances.
https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/36/eabd3083
Which mask is the best one?
Much like selecting athletic shoes and other fitness attire, your choice of facial covering will be a personal one. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your selection and remember, just like running shoes, your first purchase might not be the best fit and you may need to try another style until you find the product that works for you!
- Aim for comfort. The key is finding a mask that not only protects you but feels comfortable on your face. There are various masks on the market designed for running, cycling, and exercising including one created in BC after Dr. Bonnie Henry’s call out for innovation -These masks have a separate compartment for the nose and mouth.
- While you adjust to working out with a mask you can reduce your intensity level. You should acclimate to wearing the mask over a few weeks.
- Change mask after 20 minutes of exercise or if the mask gets moist.
- Face Mask Brackets are another option to keep the mask from collapsing on the mouth or nose during exercise.
- Look at what other people in the fitness centre are wearing and ask them about their mask and how they like it – from 2 meters away!
Your health is important to you and you are important to us! Trust that we will stay current on information pertinent to health, and exercise in particular, and update you regularly with articles. Stay healthy!
Resources:
https://parade.com/1123333/shelby-deering/how-to-work-out-with-a-mask-on/
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/wearing-a-mask-while-exercising-faq
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/face-masks-and-exercise-what-to-know-before-you-work-out#What-the-study-found
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/3d-face-mask-bracket-amazon
