5 Tips for Working Out with a Face Mask on
Over the course of the past several weeks, state and local government mask mandates have been issued for indoor public spaces. In the state of Wisconsin, you are required to wear a mask while you are inside a public place. While it doesn’t sound like too much of a change to make, you may have some reservations about wearing a face mask while exercising. This article regarding wearing a mask during your workout will give you some tips on how to adjust to your new addition to your gym bag.
Listen to Your Body
For most people, it is safe to exercise while wearing a mask. But if you experience lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath or if anything feels wrong, slow down or take a break. If you need to remove your mask temporarily, please do so in a place where you are socially distanced from other members. Catch your breath, then put it back on. It’s important to listen to your body! However, if you have underlying heart or breathing conditions, be sure to speak with a doctor to be sure that it’s safe for you to exercise while wearing a mask.
When you start wearing a mask during your workouts, you may need to reduce the intensity, especially if you’re doing cardio or HIIT workouts. In addition to lowering the intensity of your workouts, you can also increase the number or duration of rest periods to give your body more time to recover from the exercise.
Have Multiple Masks With You
Regardless of your level of fitness, wearing a mask can cause fatigue faster than if you weren’t wearing one. When you sweat, the mask can absorb it and make it heavier and more difficult to breathe. We recommend bringing a few masks with you and swap them out as needed during your workout.
There is no perfect mask for working out, so don’t be afraid to try lots of different masks until you find the one that is right for you, as different masks allow for more or less airflow.
Breathe in Through Your Nose, Out of Your Mouth
The best way to breathe when exercising with (or without) a mask is through your nose and out of your mouth. Try to make your exhales last as long as your inhales. Breathing through your nose releases Nitrous Oxide, which helps your arteries expand for more blood flow and delivers more Oxygen to your working muscles. This will help in decreasing breathing rates and reduce how much Oxygen is being inhaled. Your mid-section should expand and contract as you breathe.
To practice correct breathing technique, place your hands on your waist, just above your hips, and think about expanding your belly all the way around into your hands as you inhale. As you exhale, your mid-section should pull away from your hands.
Focus on Your Goals
Try to focus on your workout and your goals, not the face mask. Rather than thinking about how difficult it may be to wear a mask while you exercise, keep your focus on bettering yourself and your health. Keep your mind focused on the good things you’re doing for your body and how good you will feel once you are done.
Be Patient
Just like most things, consistency is key. It may be hard to adapt to at first, the more you exercise with a face mask on, the easier it will become and eventually you will get used to it. Just think about how much stronger you will be when the masks can finally come off!
We know this situation is less than ideal, but Xperience Fitness is committed to your health and safety. Know that we are doing our part to keep our community safe and gyms open and operating.