Spring is here, which brings a mixed reaction from people. Some people are delighted to see Warwick’s plant life come back, but new leaves and blossoms make other people want to hide indoors. Why? Allergies. Nobody wants to be sneezing, coughing, and dealing with itchy eyes. It makes it difficult to function, much less work out. Luckily, you can work out indoors in our fitness center. We keep things cool, clean, and fresh so you can breathe hard without inhaling a bunch of pollen. That being said, if you love getting outside, forcing yourself to stay indoors can make spring more miserable than it needs to be.
TIPS FOR EXERCISING WHEN YOU HAVE ALLERGIES
In today’s blog, we’re going to dive into some tips that will hopefully make spring a bit easier for our allergy-prone friends who like to get their sweat on in the great outdoors.
Take a minute to check the weather.
- You will find daily pollen counts for your area on the internet or in a newspaper. You can also check general pollution levels, including ozone, as all these irritants will make life harder for you. If things are looking pretty thick out there, choose to work out inside.
Consider protecting your eyes and lungs.
- If you need to get outside but you know there’s a lot of allergens waiting out there for you, you can protect your eyes and lungs with a bandana or goggles. Many people balk at the idea of this, but it’s always an option if you need it!
Get outside at the correct time of day.
- Did you know that pollen peaks at certain times of day? Noon and early afternoon are the worst time for pollen intensity. Mornings and evenings are generally better when it comes to pollen levels. However, keep in mind that just because the pollen levels are lower, that doesn’t mean there’s no pollen at all! That is why it is a good idea to check the general pollen levels as well.
Consider less-intense activities.
- The more intense the exercise, the harder you’ll breathe. The harder you breathe, the more pollen you inhale. Therefore, if you’re longing for some sunshine, forego the run or bike ride and opt for weight training, stretching, or yoga. You’ll get a workout, log some time in your favorite environment, and not be slammed with allergies because of it.
Bathe and wash your clothes after exercising outdoors.
- There’s a good chance you’ll finish your time outdoors covered in pollen. Washing your clothes and taking a shower can make a big difference. It won’t completely solve the problem if you’ve been out for a half hour or more, but it will improve the situation and help you recover faster.
EXERCISE WITH PRO FITNESS
If allergies are getting you down, don’t feel like you can’t work out. Instead, come to our beautiful fitness center in Warwick. Join a fitness class or enjoy our world-class facilities. If you haven’t joined yet, we would love to take you on a tour and show you just what makes us Warwick’s favorite fitness center!