The air quality and outdoor workout routines
Author: Bella Birkeland
If you haven’t seen it in the sky, you’ve probably seen it across your social media feed of hazy orange skies over your city or others. This ongoing haze has been impacting air quality primarily in the upper midwest as it adds another factor in planning outdoor activities. Though the summer is a time for many to soak up the sun, what does this mean for outdoor workout routines and summer activities?
The Cause of The Haze:
First, let’s understand what is causing this haze many states are experiencing. The primary reason is because of wildfires burning across Canadian provinces. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has declared this as the worst wildfire season for Canada on record. From the culmination of more than-usual high temperatures and dry conditions, it has allowed this season for wildfires to persist through this summer with its smoke and haze traveling from Canada to the United States even extending to Europe. What some states are experiencing right now is defined as particle pollution, as the particular matter in the air from smoke and dust particles creates that haze that we see in some cities today.
Particle Pollution:
What causes the haze we are seeing now is because of particle pollution, as it contains a mixture of both small solid and liquid particles in the air. Since they are so small, these particles are suspended in the air and they can enter the lungs to lodge themselves deep within them. The wildfires cause additional harmful emissions that also impact the air quality including increased amounts of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and various other hazardous pollutants. It is because of these pollutants and emissions that the American Lung Association has urged people to be more aware of the air quality in their cities and manage their day around these conditions. As there is an increased risk of coughing, breathing difficulty, and lung damage. The Association has especially urged older adults, those with asthma, COPD, and bronchitis as well as those with children to take this especially seriously.
Now we have established what is causing particle pollution as well as how it impacts health. You may still have some lingering questions about navigating your own workout routines and summer activity itineraries this summer.
Is it safe to exercise outdoors?
This is a very important question. This question is best answered by your current location and the AQI it has as well as any recommendations made by local authorities. Monitoring the air quality and being aware of suggestions can navigate if the conditions are well to be outdoors. The recommended AQI is between 0 and 50 as it is "satisfactory" by AirNow. Levels between 51 to 100 are “acceptable” however, not recommended for those with conditions that are sensitive to such quality levels. That is why it is important to be aware of your health or conditions you may have when deciding to go outside. As listed above, certain groups of individuals may be more impacted than others by the AQI. Keeping these factors in mind, use this to determine if going outside is best for you.
Is it safe to exercise outside when the air quality is poor?
If the AQI enters levels that reach "unhealthy" levels or local authorities strongly urge residents to remain inside. It is best to avoid extraneous activities and remain indoors as conditions are deemed unhealthy for the public. This is especially important because when you exercise your body needs more oxygen thus breathing increases to accommodate this demand. Your body breaths in a greater volume of air which in turn allows more pollutants to enter your system and lodge within your lungs. Leading to an increase in breathing difficulty, coughing, or more serious conditions. It is due to the increased inhalation of particulate matter that exercise is not recommended to partake in during times of poor AQI levels.
How can I maintain my exercise routine when the air quality is bad?
When it is recommended to remain indoors do your routine inside if possible. Though it may be discouraging to do some activities inside instead of outdoors, it’s important to remind yourself you can still be active inside. Because maintaining physical activity is important to maintain one’s health. So to make this accommodation work, workouts in gyms or at home with closed windows and doors are important to ensure pollutants don’t enter and influence your workouts. Air purifiers are also a great addition as well.
Tips to Navigate Your Workouts this Summer:
These are all important questions to ask as well as important answers to know and keep in mind, especially this summer. Furthermore, to navigate your daily life with these air quality conditions. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when going about your workout routine:
Check The Air Quality Index: Incorporating air quality forecasting, especially this summer will be an essential piece to determining your outdoor activities either those being workouts or trips. A great source of information is The Weather Channel as it provides a specific section dedicated to air quality with a full breakdown of particular pollutants of particulate matter. Use resources such as this to plan your day to navigate your outdoor activities to ensure you’re spending time outside with a safe index.
Check The Weather Forecast: Many weather apps have become a great means to help folks this summer not only help plan their outdoor activities but also check the air quality index. Checking the weather is important because the weather will naturally influence pollutants that affect air quality.
Consider Your Route: If possible, choose a route that maintains a healthy distance away from the road as well as move around vehicles. Because things such as rush hour and being close to many vehicles can lead to poorer air quality. Choosing a more off-road or quieter route can help reduce being surrounded by pollutants.
Keep Your Health In Mind: Understanding your health during these fluctuations of air quality is important to determine your levels of tolerance and how the levels of AQI affect you. This is especially important if you have conditions or are a part of the groups that are more impacted by AQI.
Be Flexible in Your Routine: Take into mind the AQI and make the accommodations necessary when you need to take your workout or activity inside. Engaging in physical activity is important so don’t be afraid when a run in the park may become a run on the treadmill. Exercising in poor air quality can cause concerns so be ready to be flexible when needed.
By following these tips you can help better navigate both outdoor activities and workouts this summer. These habits can help best ensure you can remain active while reducing the risk of particulate pollution affecting your health. For further reading on navigating the air quality and outdoor activity check The National Library of Medicine for additional tips and reading.
Although these wildfires and the pollution it has caused have come as a surprise to many. It’s important to be aware of the conditions it brings. Though it may be daunting at times, by keeping in mind the AQI and following these tips, you can still have fun in the sun this summer!