1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MASK FOR YOU
There are so many different masks to choose from: surgical, cloth, homemade, and more. Try out different types to figure out what works for you. Choosing a mask that fits snuggly to your face and doesn't tug on your ears will make working out in it a much more comfortable experience. Some of our favorites are listed below:
• Enerplex Non Surgical Machine Washable Safety Mask - Amazon, $18.95
• Everyday Non Medical Masks 5 Pack - Athleta, $30
2. ADD ACCESSORIES
If you're still not loving your masks, or are having difficulty finding one that's comfortable for you don't worry! There are accessories designed to make working out in/wearing your mask more comfortable. Our favorites are the mask bracket and button headband that are linked below. The mask bracket is designed to keep your mask in place and prevent you from breathing it in while the button headbands help to prevent sore ears.
• Adult Mask Bracket - $9.98, Amazon
• Headbands with Buttons - $11.99, Amazon
3. ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS
Working out in a mask is a little harder than working out without one, but who doesn't love a good challenge?
“You should anticipate that it will be about eight to 10 beats higher per minute” when you wear a mask than when you do not, Dr. Bryant says. This exaggerated rise in heart rate will be most pronounced during intense efforts, he says, such as hill repeats or intervals" (New York Times).
Embrace the elevated heart rate, get a good sweat on, and try to look at it as new goal - just imagine how strong your cardiovascular system is going to get!
4. BE PATIENT AND STAY CONSISTENT
Like anything else, working out while wearing a mask is something that will get easier and feel more natural the more that you do it.
“After a few weeks of wearing a face covering during this type of activity, individuals will acclimate and be able to work at, or near, their usual intensity levels with little to no impact on performance,” Moore said" (Healthline).
Look towards that light at the end of the tunnel - push through this new challenge knowing that soon enough, you won't even notice the mask anymore!