Should You Exercise With Allergies?
Should You Exercise With Allergies?
You want to get plenty of exercise, but you don’t want to wind up with scratchy eyes and a runny nose in the process. Unfortunately, if you suffer from allergies and prefer to workout in the great outdoors, you’re at risk for all sorts of frustrating allergies from your routine.
What can you do to keep on keeping on with your exercise without suffering terrible allergy flare-ups?
Track the Dangers
Do you walk away from a workout sneezing and coughing your head off, but have no clue what’s bringing on your allergic symptoms?
You can’t get by like that any more. You need to pay careful attention to when your allergies kick in and find out what is present in the environment to cause a reaction. Only by pinpointing your allergies are you able to give yourself maximum protection against them sneaking up on you while exercising.
In the event you know your allergies, hop online to find out which allergens will be most prevalent each day. If your allergen is out and about, you shouldn’t be if you can help it.
And if you simply must get out there in it and exercise, consider wearing a protective mask. (You may look silly, but you’ll feel better afterward.)
Time It Right
If you’re set on getting your exercise outside, timing is of the utmost importance. The early morning hours from 6 to 9 a.m. are some of the worst times to get outside and exercise if you’re struggling with allergies. During these hours, as well as while the sun is going down, pollen counts are usually at their highest.
Additionally, you shouldn’t stay outside exercising for any given time. Getting your workout outside is a great idea, but don’t push it more than necessary. If you plan to run three miles, don’t also go through a 30-minute warm up and cool down outside. Instead, do these extra (but necessary) activities indoors, where you’re less likely to come across allergens that will kick your allergies into gear.
Mind Nature and Yourself
You should also be sure that your workout takes place when the weather is cooperative. This is especially true if you live in a particularly dry and dusty climate. Dry days that have lots of wind are the worst for allergy sufferers, whereas cool, calm days are some of the best. Really want to get out there every chance you can without suffering allergies? Get going as soon as the rain dies down, as that is when the air will be clearest of bothersome allergens.
At the same time you’re picking the perfect day for an outdoor exercise extravaganza, you should consider priming yourself for your outdoor routine.
Have an allergy medication that has worked wonders for you in the past? Don’t wait until you’re stuck sniffling and rubbing your eyes to start using it. Start taking the medication a few weeks before your allergen enemy begins to show up, and you may be able to fend off potential allergy attacks.
Take a Deep Breath
Exercise is something that should be participated in and enjoyed by everyone. Unfortunately, for those who suffer exercise-induced asthma, lifting weights, playing basketball, going for a run, or just playing tag can result in a dangerous and terrifying asthma attack.
If you or someone you loves have sudden difficulty breathing when exercising, it may be exercise-induced asthma. Most individuals who suffer from the condition can keep it under control through an oral inhaler. Once the condition has been diagnosed and treated properly, asthma sufferers are able to get back on the court and in the gym without any serious threats to their good health.
We are not prescribing or treating here, (since we are not doctors) but just giving you advice that has helped hundreds of our clients.
- Please see your doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment advice.
- See us to help you design an effective (time-saving) exercise program!