While it was a bumpy start, most individuals now seem to recognize the logic behind wearing a mask to protect others. Whether you’re in a situation where the air exchange isn't ideal or you physically can’t be distant from others, it’s a simple task to temporarily don a mask until the risk factors are once again reduced.
However, when it comes to working out, there’s still a bit of resistance to wearing a mask. This is often fueled by anxiety that triggers a panic response: "I can't breathe!" For individuals with no underlying health conditions, wearing a cloth mask while exercising poses no appreciable limitations. However, the anxiety that occurs from feeling like air is being restricted can cause a variety of unfavorable reactions that can diminish the quality of your workout.
Fortunately, once you learn a little more about which dangers are real and which are nonexistent, fear is a factor that can be overcome so you can have a worry-free workout.
There are three primary reasons why individuals are hesitant to wear a mask while exercising: fear that oxygen intake is reduced, fear that carbon dioxide levels increase and underlying medical conditions.
We’re used to breathing with no restrictions. When working out, the body's demand for oxygen increases three to four times. Wearing a mask makes it feel like we can’t get the oxygen needed, so despite our best efforts, most of us panic.
Fortunately, a cloth mask doesn’t form an airtight seal over your mouth and nose, and while it may take a little more effort to breathe, your oxygen intake is not affected.
One study performed in Canada last year monitored heart rate and arterial blood oxygen saturation levels as individuals cycled at 70-75 revolutions per minute under three different mask conditions: no mask, a three-ply surgical mask and a three-layer cloth mask (bamboo charcoal cloth, non-woven fabric and Lycra). The study concluded that "For healthy, active people, wearing a face mask during vigorous exercise has minimal effect on arterial or muscle oxygen levels and no effects on exercise performance."
For the same reason a cloth mask doesn’t diminish oxygen levels, it doesn't trap carbon dioxide, either. According to the CDC, "CO2 molecules are small enough to easily pass through any cloth mask material," so the carbon dioxide is able to completely escape the mask with every breath. In contrast, the virus is carried on respiratory droplets, which are larger than carbon dioxide, so wearing a mask helps decrease transmission.
Unfortunately, if you have an underlying medical condition, you might not get the thumbs-up from your doctor. Individuals with an acute and chronic respiratory condition or any other health condition that requires limiting physical exertion need to consult their doctor before engaging in any type of exercise regimen, regardless of whether a mask is worn.
Situational anxiety is real. Just because you know you’re getting enough oxygen and you’re certain you’re not inhaling carbon dioxide doesn't mean you won't still worry about it. Breathing through a cloth, after all, isn’t natural, so it doesn't feel normal. Whether it’s a mild sense of unease or full-on panic, this discomfort can exacerbate the situation and cause problems such as lightheadedness, which can make exercising an unsafe activity.
It’s important to learn how to self-monitor so you can recognize the point when anxiety creates symptoms that become dangerous. Self-monitoring involves paying attention to your body so you know when you need to pause or stop your workout.
If you'd like to go a step further, a pulse oximeter is a small device that clips over your finger and monitors the oxygen levels in your blood. While this device isn’t necessary, it can help alleviate anxiety by providing proof that your blood oxygen levels are fine.
Knowing when you need to pause your workout and sit down or step outside to remove your mask for a few minutes is ultimately what will keep you safe. Following are five key warning signs to pay attention to.
According to the CDC, an effective cloth mask must fit snugly on your face, leaving no large side gaps while fully covering both your nose and your mouth. The mask should have two to three layers and feature no exhalation valves or vents. The mask should be breathable, but manufactured using tightly woven cottons or cotton blends.
Under Armour Adult Sports Mask
This mask offers a comfortable performance fit with a bendable nose bridge that allows the upper part of the mask to lay flat against the face, making it a good option for the active user.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl's
A three-pack of affordable face masks designed to sit comfortably on your face with no sliding down the nose. The soft, breathable material makes these masks comfortable to wear while working out.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods
There are two layers of fabric in this lightweight mask. Even individuals who exercise with intensity comment that it’s easy to breathe throughout the entire workout session while wearing it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
With thicker fabric and a slightly smaller size, the Adidas masks in this three-pack fit snugly against the face. The masks offer two layers of fabric and are machine-washable for convenience.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy's and Amazon
Under Armour Project Rock Sportsmask Face Mask
This is Under Armour's premium face mask. It costs a little more but offers a water-resistant shell with an antimicrobial treatment. The fabric feels cool to the touch, and your purchase includes a travel bag.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick's Sporting Good
Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
