Working out in a mask

Given mask requirements over the past two years the question has been raised whether or not working out in a mask is harmful to your health. The answer seems to be, it depends.

One issue with masks and working out is sweat. According to the World Health Organization, “sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms.” 

This would suggest that mask wearing in hot climates or when working out to the point where you sweat profusely could be problematic.

Another issue is breathability. 

“It’s a lot harder to workout with a mask on, you become out of breath quicker and it’s harder to catch a breath,” said senior Sky Whiddon.

Others argue that wearing a mask while working out has no negative impact on them at all.

“When I first started working out in a mask it was a little difficult, but now that I’ve been doing it for a year or so, it’s like a normal part of my workout to have my mask on,” said senior Kylie Brown. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s safe to wear a mask while exercising. New research has shown that your “heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen level and time of exhaustion are not significantly affected by wearing a mask during moderate to strenuous aerobic physical activity.” 

So it seems wearing a mask while exercising is safe, unless you sweat so much that you soak your mask.