As HOUSEFIT opens its doors during stage 3 of the province’s COVID-19 reopening plan, we will be exercising an abundance of caution to ensure you stay safe. While one of our new measures includes the addition of medical-grade air purifiers, additional measures we will be taking include:
Performing extra cleaning of all surfaces and equipment with “Concrobium” hospital-grade disinfectant
Treating surfaces with self-cleaning nanotechnology
Temperature screenings upon arrival
Setting up hand sanitizing stations throughout each location
Limiting the number of members and trainers in each location
Enforcing a physical distancing space of at least 2 meters between all members
Requiring trainers to wear masks at all times during sessions
Requiring members to wear masks in between exercises
That being said, we understand comfort levels vary, and you may be one of the many members who have reached out to us to ask if it is safe to wear a mask during a workout.
You certainly can, but you must take a few factors into consideration.
Before we get into those considerations, however, it is important to note that both local and global guidelines for COVID-19 mask-wearing provide exemptions for exercise.
The Toronto COVID-19 Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Bylaw requires that as of July 7, 2020, masks that have a comfortable fit and cover your nose, mouth and chin, without gapping are required in all indoor public spaces. However, the bylaw provides exemptions for fitness:
“The bylaw allows for temporary removal of a mask or face covering… while actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity.”
Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) actively states on their website that people should NOT wear masks while exercising, and instead focus on social distancing:
“People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.
Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.”
If you still want to wear a mask during exercise, read on. Your ability to wear a mask comfortably will largely depend on both the intensity of exercise and the type of mask worn.
Risks For Wearing Respiratory Masks While Working Out
Humans exhale a negligible amount of CO2 with every breath. In terms of daily use for a mask, respiratory masks are safely worn daily by all manner of essential workers and medical personnel and are considered safe when breathing normally.
That being said, there are risks during periods of high exertion.
As you exercise, the lactic acid in your muscles converts to additional CO2, which is exhaled with each breath.
When transitioning from moderate to vigorous exercise and breathing heavily, your mask’s filter may prevent CO2 from fully escaping as your breaths are faster and deeper. Rebreathing this CO2 can cause you to breathe even more vigorously as your body craves oxygen, and ultimately, you could feel faint. Ignoring this sign, you could even pass out.
Similarly, masks can trap in your sweat, and that barrier can cause you to overheat more quickly. The mask is also a barrier to drinking water in the middle of your exercise.
You can wear masks safely during exercise, but you need to choose the right mask and also moderate the intensity of your workout.
How to Wear a Respiratory Mask Safely During Exercise
N95 masks are great protection against COVID-19 but are not so great for exercise.
The same filtration that blocks 95% of particles and helps keep you safe also prevents you from breathing effectively at a high-intensity level.
During this pandemic, many entrepreneurial organizations have created exercise breathing masks that athletes wear.
It’s important that the mask is made of soft breathable fabric and is rated to prevent respiratory droplets from penetrating the layers of fabric.
We encourage you to check out this list of exercise face masks put together by Rolling Stone. Also, look for products made with similar designs and materials.
Even if you choose to wear a face mask, however, you may still not be able to work out at the same level that you normally do.
When you’re getting started, ramp up slowly and monitor your exertion level. Be sure to take off your mask and rest if you are feeling faint. Also, remember to take breaks where you can so you can remove the mask and rehydrate.
Regardless of whether or not you choose to wear a mask when working out with us at HOUSEFIT, we look forward to welcoming you back into our clubs!