Tips on Proper Wear of a Face Covering during Exercise
Written By: Briana Brooks
As we go through another wave of change, things are beginning to open up and new things are upon us. Even though gyms are not open yet, reading up on helpful tips is something I wanted to share with you.
During my research I came across an amazing article about face coverings during exercise. This is a huge question that I know is circling the community and even in my own head. Click the link: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/7578/exercising-with-a-face-covering-safety-do-s-and-don-ts/ to get the full article. Below is just a a few tips that may help answer some of our questions when it comes to working out with a face covering.
Exercise professionals can share the following tips with their clients (adapted from Boone, 2020; CDC, 2020; Sweeney, 2020)
Make sure your mask is big enough to cover your nose and face for proper protection.
The mask should feel comfortable and snug around your cheeks and nose. Try not to fidget with the mask while you are working out.
If the mask restricts your breathing prior to exercise, it will not be good to wear during exercise.
Wash your hands PRIOR to putting on your mask. Soap and water are fine or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Make sure you do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing your mask. Wash your hands AFTER taking off your mask.
It is best to remove your mask by the ear loops because the front of the mask is where germs will collect.
A great advantage of a cloth mask is that it can be washed. Exercise enthusiasts who exercise regularly are encouraged to have a few masks so there is a clean, dry mask ready for each workout. Any laundry detergent will be fine for washing cloth face masks.
When you talk, keep your mask over your nose and mouth. Do not pull it down as this defeats the purpose of blocking respiratory droplets from being released in the air.
If you tend to sweat a lot when you workout (indoors or outdoors), perhaps bring a second mask with you and replace when it becomes damp. It is best to replace a damp mask (from workout sweat or outdoor humidity).
For people who wear glasses, sometimes they fog up if too much air is released near the nose of the face mask. Readjust the mask to be snug over the nose. Furthermore, it has been shown that washing glasses with soapy water, without rinsing, and letting them dry prior to wearing a face mask reduces fogging. Alas, folding a tissue and placing underneath your glasses may absorb any escaping moisture from your breath.
With children, find a cloth mask that fits a child’s face, comfortable but snug, and follow all of the same safety instructions above. Do not put masks on young children under the age of two.
I do hope that everyone in the Spa 23 Family i staying safe and healthy! The whole team here can't wait to see our members again!