03/08/2020
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic as a Certified Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, one question I'm getting asked lately is: Should I be exercising with a mask on?
My answer:
Exercising already induces an oxygen deficit in the body which is replenished through an unobstructed flow of air into the lungs(breathing freely). During exercise, an unobstructed air flow is needed to supply the brain, blood and organs with oxygen. This is crucial for optimum exercise performance, preventing the onset of fatigue, dizziness, hypoxia and hypoxaemia.
Wearing a mask during exercise obstructs your air flow into your lungs causing hypoxia therefore putting your body at a disadvantage in terms of replenishing oxygen in the blood leading to a condition known as hypoxemia.
Both Hypoxia and Hypoxemia can be fatal and 100% preventable by NOT wearing a mask while exercising.
Signs & Symptoms of Hypoxia and Hypoxaemia:
•Dizziness and Confusion
•Blue lips and finger tips
•Exercise intolerance
•Rapid heart beat
•Shortness of breath
•Rapid uncontrolled breathing
Populations at a higher Risk for Hypoxia and hypoxaemia from wearing a mask during exercise:
•Persons who are Anemic
•Asthmatic
•History of Heart Disease
•Diabetics
•High blood pressure
•Smokers
•Persons who removed a lung or had any lung tissue Removed
How to protect yourself and others in a gym setting? If you are working out in a group or in a gym you can physical distance about 6 feet apart, sanitize equipment before and after use , wear long sleeves and long pants gym attire to prevent sweat from dripping and avoid coughing and sneezing on the gym floor. If you cough and sneeze in the bathroom, sanitize your hands before resuming your workout.