You’re nailing Couch 2 5k… but with new rules about when you need to wear a face mask being announced, should you be trying to sweat it out in a face mask?
For three months, you’ve been doing your best to figure out how to run, bike or nail that HIIT workout. But now there’s an extra question – should I be exercising in a face mask?
What are the rules about face masks?
Since June 15, in the UK, if you are travelling on public transport, you have to wear a mask. The government is now set to announce that people must also wear masks in shops, from July 24 - you could be fined £100 by police for non-compliance.
But this comes after a lot of confusion on the government’s part – for some time they directly advised people NOT to do so. Even recently, different cabinet ministers have said different things. A study by YouGov found that only 31 per cent of British people were wearing masks at the start of July.
Upsettingly, the YouGov report found that British people who chose not to wear a mask, often did so because they perceived wearing one would be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
For many of us, it’s now an extra worry to think about running or exercising with a mask – they can feel restrictive at the best of times, never mind when we’re out of breath already. But on the other hand, with more of us running than ever and using the parks, it can feel a bit like running the gauntlet taking a run or a cycle and trying to keep your distance.
In America, some cities and states say face masks must be worn in public spaces, but in cities like New York City, running and biking are exempted from the rule if you stay at least six feet away from other people. There’s been lots of debate online and on social media about whether it’s necessary, especially with the #WearADamnMask movement trending.
Should I wear a face mask when I exercise in the UK?
Fortunately for those who are already struggling to stay cool when exercising, Dr Luke Kane says he doesn’t think you need to wear a mask when running.
‘I don't think it's necessary to wear a mask when running,’ he says. ‘It is much better to continue social distancing and hand hygiene whilst running instead of wearing a mask which gives you the added problem of possibly hyperventilating when out jogging.
‘Catching covid outdoors is a much lower risk than when indoors especially if you can stay 2m apart from others.’
How can I minimise my risk of coronavirus while running?
Editor of Women’s Running, Esther Newman, agrees that masks aren’t necessary, but suggests ways to stay extra safe. ‘As long as runners are responsible about distancing and respectful of pedestrians, then I don't believe we need to wear masks,’ she tells Grazia. ‘I always ensure I run a wide berth round pedestrians, and I've noticed that most other runners appear to do the same thing. If it's difficult to pass, we tread water or stop running altogether so as not to come too close.
‘From a personal perspective, wearing a mask can make breathing during running difficult, so I'd prefer to amend my route or the time of day that I run to avoid busy periods. But the emphasis is on responsibility - we all need to be socially responsible. If the only time you can run is going to conflict with lots of commuters, then a mask will help both you and them feel less anxious. But mask-wearing does not make you invincible or invisible: keeping a safe distance is paramount.’
READ MORE: ‘Wear A Damn Mask’, Karens - And How Covid Face-Coverings Became Political
READ MORE: Where Can You Buy Stylish, Reusable Face Masks Now That They're Mandatory On Public Transport?