Face masks are necessary whenever you’re spending time near others, and this includes working out. Sweating with a face covering isn’t easy, but here are some tips that can help.
We hat to break it to you, but face masks may be here to stay. Even if they’ve sparked clashes of ideologies and a new genre of memes and videos, most people have embraced them, following the advice of medical experts. Still, one of the main aspects of daily life that face masks have disrupted are outdoor workouts.
Unless you’re comfortable working out from home or live in a state where there are functioning gyms, most people are now utilizing outdoor spaces for fitness. While many choose to tie their face masks to their wrists, only wearing them when in close contact with others, consistently using your face mask is the safest thing you can do for yourself and others. Still, this knowledge doesn’t make it any easier to sweat with some cloth over your nose and mouth.
While it takes some getting used to, it’s possible to work out and wear face masks efficiently. Here are 5 tips that can help you:
Buy the right mask
First things first; you won’t get too far along in your workout if you’re wearing a surgical mask and it’s 90 degrees outside. You’ll sweat through the material and will have a bad time and an unproductive workout. Do your research and compare options. Many sports brands have designed face masks that are breathable and comfortable for workouts, minimizing the degree of moisture that they absorb. This prevents the fabric from getting heavy and soggy.
Hydrate
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Once you have the right mask, prepare yourself ahead of time by drinking more water and having some available as you workout. It’s important to hydrate since the face mask and the heat can increase your heart rate, making it feel as if you’re dehydrated and overheated. Cool water will help you feel relaxed and like you can continue on sweating and working out.
Set realistic goals
Try to take it slow the first few times you work out with your mask, understanding that this is a new challenge for your body. Set some realistic goals and expectations for your first couple of workouts. The most important thing you can do here is to acclimate and later increase the intensity when you feel like you can handle it.
Keep an eye on the weather
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Even if you’re not wearing a mask, it’s important to account for the weather when working out outdoors. If you live in a place that’s very hot, find hours where the heat is at its lowest, like later in the evening. Your face mask will pose fewer obstacles, plus, you’re way less likely to run into others who may or may not be practicing COVID safety .
Try other workouts
If running with a face mask is too much for you to handle, try other workouts . Lift weights, practice yoga or anything else that appeals to you. In the long run, this might develop other muscles and skill sets that you normally don’t exercise, leaving you with better fitness levels.
