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Wearing a masktakes some getting used toand that holds doubly true when youre working out in one.
Vadym Pastukh/Getty Images
(Ive been on a fewhiking trailsthat went suddenly from deserted to congested with little warning.)
Yes, wearing a mask while exercisingcanfeel differentmore on that below.
But wearing one doesnt have to tank your workout, either.
Heres what it’s crucial that you know.
Wearing a mask while exercisingwillfeel different.
You may breathe a little bit harder, or feel like youre not quite getting enough air.
The reason this happens is simple: Anything thats covering your nose and mouth will block airflow.
(The claims that a mask will cut off your oxygen just arent true, as SELFreported previously.)
Thats especially true the hotter and more humid the weather is.
For most people, exercising in a mask is perfectly safe.
In fact, wearing a mask is very safe, he says.
Plus, the beauty of the human body is that it is built to adapt to new challenges.
So over time, the extra intensity wont be as noticeable.
Also, certain medical conditions can make exercising in a mask potentially dangerous.
Same thing goes for anyone with a cardiovascular condition like heart disease or angina, says Bryant.
(Check out ourmask recommendations for outdoor runningfor more options).
Bryant suggests focusing on low-to-moderate-intensity workouts at first, where you would still be able to talk pretty comfortably.
(It also applies to your warm-upyou definitely want to start each workout easy.)
Do a short bout of intense work and then give yourself time for recovery, Bryant says.
Over time youll feel ready to slowly increase the intensity of those intervals.
Again, these intervals may be slower or less intense than what youre used toand thats perfectly normal.
If so, you’re free to use this to know when to dial things back.
Its okay to take breaks.
And if youre feeling tired or lightheaded, cut your workout short.
Dr. Sulapas suggests making sure you staywell hydrated.
Cold water in particular can help cool you down, he says.
For instance, if you routinely perform endurance exercise, perhaps weight lifting will be more tolerable.
Be kind to yourself.
