People who exercise daily and go for a walk and run every day tend to wear a mask. Even though it protects them and others against coronavirus, it also affects how the form of exercising affects them.

Several scientists across the world have started to look at the effects of covering the mouth and nose while exercising. It has further raised questions and speculations on whether some forms of the mask are better than others for people who exercise amid coronavirus outbreak.

Even though none of the researches has been published on the subject so far, several scientists have studied the physical effect of exercising while wearing a mask on humans. One of such commentaries published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explained how covering your mouth with a mask during exercising may “come with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.”

Based on his personal experience, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, Dr. Cedric Bryant found that “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.”

That, the heart rate of the person is about 8 to 10 beats per minute higher when the face is covered with a mask that exercising as compared to when do not wear a mask and perform the same exercise.

Additionally, some runners may feel dizzy while running in a mask, while others may not feel anything at all.

Christa Janse, a professor of exercise science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, believes that such physical effects of exercising in masks can be minimized through appropriate selection of material.

Paper and surgical masks should be avoided during exercise as they tend to get wet soon due to the sweat. This reduced efficiency and their ability to block pathogens. Janse says that people should opt for masks made of breathable, synthetic cloth material that has two layers or less. It helps prevent facial overheating and also allows for normal breathing.

Bryant further said that people who plan to exercise for more than 30 minutes should carry an extra mask that they prefer to use and find comfortable to wear during exercising. He also shared how several companies have started to manufacture masks especially for people who exercise.

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