Buzz
Wearing a mask while exercising isn’t always enjoyable, but it’s sometimes necessary. If you're likely to be near others during your workout or exercising indoors, wearing a mask is essential. Let’s explore how to choose the right mask, and I’ll share my thoughts on some of the popular workout masks I've tried.
Understand the limitations
Now, for the challenging news: even after all this time during the pandemic, we still don’t have clear data on which non-medical masks are most effective. Many different options are available, but none have been systematically tested, and there’s no universal agreement on what qualifies as ‘good enough.’ So, don’t expect a straightforward answer; there simply isn’t one yet.
Masks are just one element in the larger strategy to prevent COVID transmission. They are not an invincible shield. No mask is flawless. That said, even with a mask, I would avoid exercising in a small indoor area with a crowd of people shouting or breathing heavily, such as a cycling studio. Too many people will have droplets escaping from the sides of their masks, sneaking through the front gaps, or coming straight out of their noses if they’ve decided they don’t need to wear their masks properly.
Another key point is that masks can make exercise feel more challenging. During cardio, they make it harder to take in enough air. While this isn’t necessarily a major issue, it’s something to be mindful of. If you find that workouts while masked are truly uncomfortable, try scheduling some mask-free sessions, as long as you can do so safely. (Some have claimed that this side effect of mask-wearing may actually improve your workouts—similar to how athletes train in Colorado for the thinner air. Ah, the memories! Remember the craze for altitude-training-simulating masks a few years ago? They didn’t work.)
That said, as someone with exercise-induced asthma: I’m genuinely excited to have a mask for winter running. Masks help warm and humidify the air you breathe in. If you tend to wheeze when running in cold weather, give it a try—and then consult your doctor, because exercise-induced asthma may benefit from other treatments, such as an inhaler.
The best(?) workout masks I’ve tested
So far, my favorite mask for workouts is this Adidas model. It’s sold out until October according to the website, but I’ve spotted individual masks popping up on eBay for about the same price as the original three-pack. I managed to grab one, and I’m glad I did.
I appreciate this mask because it’s light enough to allow easy breathing and comfort, yet sturdy enough to offer solid protection against droplets. It also features a pocket for adding extra filtering material, and the earloops are soft and comfortable.
UnderArmour’s mask is a top-tier option, and its price reflects that, at $30 for just one. It’s thicker than the Adidas version, but still quite comfortable. The standout feature is its structure: it’s rigid at the front, so no matter how intensely you breathe, you won’t accidentally inhale fabric. The wire along the top also prevents exhaled air from getting into your eyes (and keeps your glasses from fogging).
Zensah offers another mask favored by athletes, though this one appears less protective. It’s a single layer, definitely breathable, but stretches and has larger visible holes than the others. It also fits snugly against your mouth and nose, which is a design you’ll either love or dislike. (For me: dislike.) Its strap system is different from most masks: it has two straps that go around the back of your head instead of over your ears.
How and when to wear your mask
Personally, I dislike wearing masks while exercising, so when I go for a run, I make an effort to find quiet trails in the woods or almost-empty suburban streets. I also do most of my lifting at home, either in my garage or on my driveway. These are valid options, but if you live in a crowded area, you may still want to wear a mask while working out outdoors.
Before heading to the gym, make sure your mask fits properly. Open and close your mouth to check if it stays secure. Try inhaling deeply as if you're nearing the end of a set of squats. If it shifts, adjust the fit or replace it with another one.
Wear the mask correctly at all times. Pulling it down while lifting defeats the purpose. Keep it on, even if you’re breathing heavily, and if necessary, take longer breaks or lower your cardio intensity.
Avoid touching your mask during exercise. If you need to drink water, unhook one earloop, take a sip, and then put it back on. Afterward, wash your hands. Carry a plastic bag to store your mask when it's sweaty, and have a clean, dry one for the way home. Always wash or sanitize your hands after removing it.
Be sure to clean your mask as soon as you get home. If you're like me, you have a couple of high-quality exercise masks, and then a bunch of everyday cotton ones. To wash it, simply use hand soap and hot water in your bathroom sink, then hang it to dry on that extra shower curtain rod you've got for rinsing your gym clothes.
