How Pollution Affects Your Workout
Is outdoor exercise putting your lungs at risk? Take these 6 steps to limit your exposure to dirty air.
by Julie D. Andrews
All it takes is a breezy, sun-drenched day to entice most fitness buffs away from the gym and into the great outdoors for a workout. But while your intention may be to take advantage of the fresh air, pick the wrong time of day or place to exercise and you may find yourself coughing and wheezing instead.
"In hot summer months, levels of pollutants such as ozone and soot rise," says Frank Adams, M.D., assistant professor of pulmonary disease at the New York University School of Medicine. "Pollutants give you a kind of sunburn on your throat, lungs and bronchial lining that can inflame them and trigger eye irritation, shortness of breath, wheezing, a dry cough or scratchy throat." Those with asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema are at higher risk and can experience chest tightening and lightheadedness.
You don't have to banish outdoor cycling, running or tennis-ball whacking, though. A little planning can go a long way in protecting your body from pollution's harm. Follow these six simple tips from the medical experts to smog-proof your workout.
- Check the Air Quality Index: Before lacing up your sneaks, it's key to make sure that the air is safe, says Adams. Go to airnow.gov and scroll down to select your city and state. You'll see a color assigned to your area letting you know the current air-quality level from green (good) to burgundy (hazardous).
