The face masks from the HALOLIFE brand have just become one of the first to be certified, proving that they meet the very first standard for reusable face masks from ASTM International, which announced these specifications last month. According to experts we consulted during 2020, the standard established best practices for the manufacture of face masks are a serious need in the face mask space. Establishing universal safety standards for face coverings can help the US return to work and social activities, says Keith Anderson, CEO of HALOLIFE. in a press release.
SLEEP IN ADVANCE Best face masks to wear at the gym
And going to the gym is one of the activities: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently unveiled new guidelines on gyms following research into the high rate of coronavirus transmission in gyms and fitness centers in Hawaii and Chicago during the summer of 2020. The CDC says gym goers and gym staff should wear a face mask at fitness facilities across the country. The recommendation to wear masks even applies to guests and persons in the gym, as well as those who have been vaccinated. The CDC recommends, in the otherwise newly issued guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated, ‘take precautions in public places, such as wearing a mask, staying 6 meters apart and leaving crowds and poorly ventilated areas avoid.’
The CDC published its findings on gyms in Morbidity and Mortality Reports, a weekly publication it publishes with public health news. The cases in Hawaii and Chicago emphasize the importance of ‘consistent and correct mask use’ and how ‘increased respiratory effort facilitates Covid transmission’, the CDC shared in the report. Researchers have encouraged gyms to require people to wear masks during exercise and physical distance, as well as to improve ventilation and reduce class sizes. While many states have some sort of mask mandate, not all of them require gym goers to wear masks while exercising. For example, some fitness centers like Planet Fitness have created their own mask mandates, while other people can exercise barefoot.
According to Jessica Steier, public health physician and CEO of Vital Statistics Consulting, a healthcare data analytics company, and Andrea Love, PhD, a face mask, this is the most important Covid mitigation measure overall. immunologist and microbiologist. Scaffolding and Love explained that when you exercise, you have more powerful and fast breathing. This means that you are exhaling and inhaling a greater amount of air. In turn, the relative risk of exposure to Covid droplets can be increased compared to standing still in the same space. And physical distance alone will not protect you.
“Six feet is an average distance that these breathing drops can disperse. Some will travel shorter distances, others further,” said Love, an immunology consultant at Vital Statistics Consulting. “Indoors should wear your mask, the primary mitigation measure, with distance, improved ventilation and proper hygiene.”
Given this most recent CDC research on Covid transfer at gyms, we talked to experts about the best masks to wear during indoor workouts and some safety precautions you exercise during fitness centers.
Best face masks to wear at the gym
1. HALOLIFE black mask for black gauze
This face mask complies with ASTM International’s F3502-21 face mask standard, one of the first to boast such a performance – SGS IBR Laboratories evaluated the HALOLIFE masks’ filtration technology, fit and seal performance according to ASTM guidelines.
Face masks come in sizes ranging from small to extra large, as well as different styles, such as a pink mask and a white mesh machine with gray finish. The outer layer is made of a polyester blend and the inner layer has a moisturizing bamboo lining. The mask has a replaceable latex nose pad that prevents the glasses from fading, and it is manufactured with an adjustable nose bridge and earmuffs. It also has a kenwrap to create an airtight seal along the sides of the mask. HALOLIFE’s mask is also equipped with a HALO Nanofilter, which captures 99 percent air particles and works for about 200 hours. You can also buy replacement nose pads and filters.
2. Adidas Face Cover
Adidas’ two-layer face masks – which come in packs of three – are made of polyester. They are designed with 40 percent recycled materials and come in two sizes: Small and Medium / Large. Adidas said the Medium / Large face mask fits most adults, but if the measurement between the nose and chin is less than 5.5 centimeters, they recommend the small size. The masks are available in three colors: white, blue bird and black.
3. Under Armor UA Sports Masks
Under Armor’s face mask is made of three layers of fabric, including a middle layer of foam to filter out particles and an inner layer of antimicrobial material designed to feel cool against the skin. It has a flexible nose bridge and a strip of fabric at the top to eliminate gaps and ensure the glasses do not fade. The outer layer of the mask is water resistant – while the mask is machine washable, Under Armor recommends washing it by hand. 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.
4. Reebok Face Mask
Reebook’s two-layer face masks are made from 93 percent recycled polyester. They have two sizes: extra small / small and medium / large. The masks come in a package of three, are designed with record loops and have a sturdy fit that fits the. They are also machine washable.
5. Athleta Activates face mask
The Athleta face masks come in a suit of two and are made of quick-drying material. The masks have a flexible nose bridge with which you can adjust the fit around the nose and cheekbones. It is also designed with adjustable ruffles. According to Athleta’s internal testing, its face masks showed an average of 90.3 percent particle blocking performance. These masks should be washed by hand and are available in five colors: Island Coral / Hearth Rose, Dusk Purple / Gentle Blue, Charcoal Gray, Velvety Pink / Osprey Gray and Twilight Lilac / Voyage Gray.
6. Coral mesh face mask
Coral’s face masks are made from performance fabrics such as those used in the brand’s clothing. Fabric is quickly dry and stiff, and stretches around the face for a tight fit. The masks come in four colors: Eggplant, Hale, Midnight Blue and Ruby. Coral also makes a Shiny Netz Face Mask in four colors: Flamingo, Black, White and Neon Lime.
How to buy a mask to wear during exercise
Steier said that the mask in which you practice must comply with the CDC’s general guidelines on face masks.
- Look for several layers of material for optimal protection, as well as masks with a high thread count, high dust density and tightly woven cloth – they offer the most protection.
- Stay away from exhalation valves and make sure your mask fits snugly around the cheeks, under the chin and over the bridge of the nose: A good fit is crucial.
The CDC states that wearing masks during exercise is safe, and wearing a face mask will not necessarily harm your workout, according to studies that have shown that it does not significantly restrict oxygen flow. But if you do a high-intensity device like the treadmill, Love said a KN95, N95, KF94 or even dual masks can become uncomfortable. If you decide to wear a single mask, in those cases you should have two to three layers of material and it will fit your face well. Scaffolding suggests placing an additional filter in the mask and practicing as far away from other people as possible. If you do low-intensity exercises like yoga or pilates, she said you should wear as much protection as possible – double mask or wear a respirator like a KN95, N95 or KF94.
Gaiters and balaclavas
Scaffolding and Love, which hosts the Unbias Science Podcast, noted that hoods (often called running buffs) and balaclavas do not offer as much protection as a higher and better fit mask. They are usually made of a single layer of thinly woven flexible fabric and are saturated with moisture very quickly.
“If you just walk into a store to pay for gas, a hood is probably a better option than no face covering,” Love said. “But I would not help doing long indoor activities, especially going to the gym.”
However, the CDC’s guidelines on face coverings state that walkers with two layers, or walkers that can be folded so that it has two layers, can be worn. While balaclavas are not a substitute for masks, the CDC noted that they can be worn over masks. For this purpose, some sports brands have created highly-filtering hoods for just this purpose, including the Tommie Copper Community Wear Face Mask Gaiter and the Carhartt Cotton Gaiter.
Additional CDC guidelines for wearing a mask during exercise
The CDC notes that individuals with lung diseases such as asthma or heart disease should be evaluated by their healthcare provider before attempting to exercise with any face mask. The CDC also says:
- Do vigorous and intensive exercises outdoors, if possible
- Stay at least 6 meters away from other people while exercising and wearing a mask
- If your mask is saturated with sweat, replace it with a clean mask while exercising
Tips for exercising during the pandemic at the gym
Steier and Love, as well as the CDC, said the safest way to exercise during the pandemic is at home or outside. But if that is not feasible, there are some ways to stay as safe as possible while exercising indoors in a fitness center.
- Go to the gym to reduce the exposure to drops in the air of previous guests first thing in the morning when it opens. As the day progresses, the number of people sharing the same indoor space will increase significantly, as will the potential risk for exposure.
- Otherwise, try to go to your gym when there are as few other people as possible, and try space yourself out as much as possible from others.
- Try to use spaces in the gym well ventilated. If the gym has installed improved ventilation during the pandemic, it’s in your favor. If this is not the case then maybe you have to open your own doors or windows to let in some fresh air.
- Disinfected any equipment you use before and after use.
- Bring your own water bottle is safer than sharing a common water fountain. If possible, use a bottle with a reusable straw, or add a reusable straw to your water bottle. Instead of taking off your mask to drink, slide the straw under the chin of your mask.
- Bring your own towel to the gym to ensure it is clean and properly disinfected.
- It is best to avoid showers if possible, as you can not wet masks – otherwise they lose their effectiveness. If you have to shower in the gym, shower as soon as possible and only remove your mask when your face and head get wet.
- Disinfected the outside of the cabinet door and the inside of the cabinet before using it.
- If you use the dressing room, keep your mask on and limit how much time you spend there. Be aware of others in the dressing room who are not wearing masks, and stay away from others as much as possible.
- Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. If the gym does not offer hand sanitizer, bring your own.