With this summer’s forest fires in full swing, Seattle has been covered in a haze of smoke for the past week. Air quality has been poor and traffic is congested. Athletes are attempting to continue to stay in shape while battling the smokey haze.
Below, I will discuss some ideas to help stay safe while continuing to exercise. However, IF YOU HAVE ANY LUNG OR CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS, please speak with your Primary Care Physician before exercising to ensure that you are not putting yourself in danger.
Assess Air Quality Prior to Exercise
Check out AirNow.Gov to learn about the current recommendations regarding air quality. For example, today’s rating in Seattle is “Unsafe for Sensitive Groups”. This means that those with any lung or cardiovascular issues should remain inside as should children and older adults who are more sensitive to particulate in the air.
Make sure that you understand what your own personal status is:
Do you have asthma or another respiratory condition?
Are you sensitive to smoke?
Have you been short of breath or have your sinuses been draining?
If you answered “yes ” to any of these, please consult your PCP prior to engaging in exercise.
By looking at the map, you may want to choose to drive to an area that has a better air rating before engaging in outdoor exercise.
Exercise Intelligently
Once you have determined that you are “OK” to exercise and have found an adequate location, listen to your body.
- Take frequent breaks
- Exercise at a lower intensity to take a load off your respiratory system
- Consider using a sinus rinse to help keep your nasal passages clear
- If you feel prematurely out of breath or as though you are working harder than normal… Make it a Gym Day and exercise in a controlled environment. (You may also consider being evaluated by your PCP)
Hopefully the winds will pick up off the Pacific and the smoke will clear- but until then stay safe and keep your personal health in mind when spending time outside. Taking a day off training is better than compromising your health.
***The information contained in the blog above is not intended as healthcare advice and is provided for general information purposes***
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