Should You Wear Your Mask at the Gym?

The Planet Fitness near my house doesn't require proof of vaccination or masks anymore.

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By Stephanie Cornwell, Editorial Assistant The Planet Fitness near my house doesn't require proof of vaccination or masks anymore. Yes, I do live in Florida. Today's Top Story Should You Mask at the Gym? Gyms are a tricky place to navigate during the Omicron surge.   It can be challenging to maintain a safe distance from other people working out, and it's impossible to know how COVID-cautious your fellow gym-goers have been. But it's also not comfortable to sweat and breathe with a face mask. Still, experts say you should probably consider wearing one.   The CDC says that COVID transmissions in gyms are likely due to a lack of face masks, extended close contact, and poor ventilation. To combat this, experts say gyms should enforce mask use, space out equipment, and limit class sizes.   Administrative protocols like frequent disinfecting of machines and encouraging staff to stay home if they feel sick can also help prevent the spread of the virus. Know More For some people, wearing a mask during strenuous exercise can create a greater risk than benefit. If a mask inhibits your ability to breathe properly or contributes to a heat-related illness, then it may not be worth it.   If you're immunocompromised or unvaccinated, experts recommend you wear an N95 or surgical mask when working out indoors. Feel Better Masking at the gym is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Find a mask that is comfortable, breathable, and that fits your face. If you can't tolerate a mask during your workout, you can consider bringing a portable air filter to a workout class or sticking to outdoor exercises. READ MORE How Much Money You Make May Play a Role in Your Health Anxieties A new study found that your economic resources are linked to how much anxiety you feel about your health. Folks with a lower income already are more likely to get sick, which may be fueling these anxieties. Barriers to accessing care only make the issue worse. Experts say more regulation and redistribution of wealth in the country could help. READ MORE A New COVID Vaccine Called Corbevax Could Help Vaccinate the World Researchers in Texas have developed a new COVID-19 vaccine that's more affordable for low-income countries to make and distribute. It has already been authorized for use in India. Experts are hopeful Corbevax will help raise global vaccination rates and reduce the spread of the virus and the development of new variants. READ MORE     In an interview with Verywell, Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, infectious disease epidemiologist, explained that we need more efficient filters in masks. The need for added protection with the KN95 or N95 is evident in those high-risk situations that are crowded or indoors, such as being on an airplane...In lower-risk situations where there is a greater distance between you and others, a surgical mask may provide adequate protection. Sten H. Vermund, MD, PhD, Infectious disease epidemiologist and dean of the Yale School of Public Health   In Other News   ■ This Is No Way to Be Human. The Atlantic     ■ Try Intuitive Eating to Break the Diet Cycle. The New York Times     ■ A Daughter's Quest to Free Her Father's Killer. The New Yorker More From Verywell New COVID Drug Will Not Replace Vaccines READ MORE Is the U.S. COVID Booster Plan Ethical? READ MORE NYC Report Outlines AAPI Health Disparities READ MORE   How'd we do? If you have any feedback, send us a note at   feedback@verywell.com.       You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 verywellhealth.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy