Usually everyone is excited for the rain to dry up and the sun to start poking through so they can take their workout outside and soak up some vitamin D, but if you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may be dreading the changing of the seasons. Itchy, watery eyes, a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat can make it hard to get out of bed, let alone pound the pavement for an exhilarating run.
Even if pollen does knock you on your butt, you don’t have to banish yourself to the gym year round. There are a few things you can do to lessen your allergy symptoms, or at the very least, prevent them from getting worse if you do decide to take your workout outdoors.
- Of course, always take your allergy medication to stay protected around the clock.
- We all know a warm up and cool down should be a part of your routine anyway, but it is especially important that you spend 5-10 minutes warming up before your workout and cooling down afterwards to ease your lungs in and out of the activity to prevent that painful coughing allergy suffers often experience.
- The pollen counts are always highest early in the morning, so save your outside workouts for later in the day. Pollen is at its worst from 5:00 am- 10:00 am, so plan on lunchtime or later.
- Wear protective sunglasses that wrap around your head or have side shields to keep as much irritating pollen as possible away from your eyes.
- Change your clothes the second you walk in the door after a workout and immediately take a shower to remove as many allergens from your body as possible.
- Many people say nasal spray is a great way to remove allergens from your nasal cavity, but be sure to ask your doctor first. Nasal spray can have more negative effects than positive for certain people.
- Use your best judgement. If you really just feel awful, weak or tired, listen to your body and take it easy. Working out is taxing on the body and can zap your energy. If your immune system is low, your symptoms can worsen.
Do your seasonal allergies keep you indoors during the spring time?
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