Exercising with Allergies
By Sara Butler
Exercise can be quite uncomfortable as you’re doing it. Some people just don’t like all the sweating, huffing, and puffing that go along with it – but that’s how you know that it’s working! If you have seasonal allergies, then workouts can become that much more challenging. You’re sweating and breathing heavy, right along with itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, here are some tips to help you manage your allergies and get your workout in.
Before You Exercise
There are a few things you should do to ensure your workout goes as smooth as possible. Make sure to do these things before you start:
- Speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise program
- If you’re a newbie, begin exercising indoors for a few weeks
- If you take allergy medication, then take it as prescribed
- Keep your eye on the weather because it will impact pollen count
- If you’re feeling crummy, don’t exercise outside
While You’re Working Out
These tips can help to reduce your allergy symptoms while you work out so you can be comfortable – well, as comfortable as possible. You should:
- Avoid indoor exercise if you’re allergic to dust mites
- At the height of allergy season, avoid outdoor workouts
- Exercise away from the road if you’re sensitive to outdoor pollutants or exercise at low traffic times
- Limit your outdoor time when pollen counts are peaking
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent allergens from getting into your eyes
- If your allergies are really bad, consider a face mask to keep you from breathing them in
After You Exercise
Once you’re done exercising, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your reaction to any allergens you have come into contact with. You should:
- Cool down and stretch – That’s true even if you don’t have allergies
- Change your clothes - As soon as you get inside, take off your clothes, washing the items you just wore in order to prevent tracking pollen into your home
- Shower - After removing your clothing, jump in the shower to wash away allergens from your hair and skin
- Close your windows - Keep the windows closed to keep allergens from coming into your house
- Try saline - Consider saline nasal spray in order to wash allergens from your nose
Exercise is a very important aspect of your overall health and wellness. Don’t let allergies keep you from it!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richardson, Tex.