CDC updates: Wear a mask while exercising indoors at gyms
New CDC research urges gym-goers to wear masks while working out at fitness centers, even during high-intensity exercise.
Under Armour’s face mask is made from three layers of fabric, including a middle layer of foam to filter out particulate and an inner layer made from anti-microbial fabric designed to feel cool against skin. It has a flexible nose bridge and a strip of fabric on the top to eliminate gaps and ensure glasses don’t fog up. The outer layer of the mask is water-resistant — while the mask is machine-washable, Under Armour recommends hand washing it. The mask comes in five sizes, ranging from Extra Small/Small to Extra Large/Extra Extra Large, as well as four colors: Black/Charcoal, Pitch Gray/Mod Gray, Slate Purple/Arctic Pink and Red/Silver Chrome.
Reebook’s dual-layered face masks are made from 93-percent recycled polyester. They come in two sizes: Extra Small/Small and Medium/Large. The masks come in a pack of three, are designed with stretch ear loops and have a tight fit that conforms to the. They’re machine-washable, too.
Athleta’s face masks come in a pack of two and are made from quick-drying fabric. The masks feature a flexible nose bridge that allows you to customize its fit around the nose and cheek bones. It’s also designed with adjustable ear loops. According to Athleta’s internal testing, its face masks showed an average 90.3-percent particle blocking performance. These masks must be hand-washed and they’re available in five colors: Island Coral/Hearth Rose, Dusk Purple/Gentle Blue, Charcoal Grey, Velvety Pink/Osprey Grey and Twilight Lilac/Voyage Grey. They also have mask lanyards that can be attached to your existing masks.
Koral’s face masks are made from performance fabrics like those used in the brand’s clothing. Fabric is quick-drying and tight knit, as well as stretches around the face for a tight fit. The masks come in four colors: Aubergine, Hale, Midnight Blue and Ruby. Koral also makes a Shiny Netz Face Mask in four colors: Flamingo, Black, White and Neon Lime.
Steier said the mask you exercise in should conform to the CDC’s general guidelines on face coverings.
The CDC states that wearing masks during exercise is safe, and wearing a face mask won't necessarily harm your workout, according to studies that showed they don't significantly restrict oxygen flow. But when you’re doing high intensity cardio like treadmill running, Love said a KN95, N95, KF94 or even double masks may become uncomfortable. In those cases, if you decide to wear a single mask, make sure it has two to three layers of fabric and fits your face properly. Steier suggests inserting an additional filter inside the mask, and exercising as far away from other people as possible. If you’re doing low intensity exercise like yoga or pilates, she said to wear as much protection as possible — double mask or wear a respirator like a KN95, N95 or KF94.
Steier and Love, who host the Unbiased Science Podcast, noted that gaiters (often called running buffs) and balaclavas don’t offer as much protection as a higher quality and better fitting mask. They’re typically made of a single layer of thinly woven flexible fabric and get saturated with moisture very quickly.
“If you are simply running into a convenience store to pay for gas, a gaiter is likely a better option than no face covering,” said Love. “But I would steer clear of these for extended indoor activities, particularly going to the gym.”
The CDC’s guidance on face coverings, however, states that gaiters with two layers, or gaiters that can be folded so they have two layers, can be worn. While balaclavas are not substitutes for masks, the CDC noted they can be worn over masks. To that end, some sports brands have created highly-filtering gaiters for just this purpose, among them the Tommie Copper Community Wear Face Mask Gaiter and the Carhartt Cotton Gaiter.
The CDC notes that individuals who have lung diseases like asthma or heart disease should be evaluated by their healthcare provider before attempting exercise with any face mask. The CDC also states:
Steier and Love, as well as the CDC, said the safest way to exercise during the pandemic is at home or outdoors. But if that isn’t feasible, here are some ways to stay as safe as possible while exercising indoors at a fitness center.
CORRECTION (April 1, 2021, 3:50 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the certification status of masks made by HaloLife. After consulting lab reports and experts, NBC News confirmed that the masks did not meet a new standard for reusable masks. As a result, the HaloLife products were removed from the list of best face masks to wear at the gym.
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