For most athletes, spring provides the best conditions for training outdoors. However, for the millions who suffer seasonal allergies, symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and sniffling can mess up a whole afternoon of training.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to minimize your exposure to seasonal allergies and avoid ruining your training routine.
Beware of the Pollen Count
The term ‘pollen count’ refers to the amount of pollen per m³ of air, so, the lower the pollen count, the less likely you are to suffer from allergy symptoms. A pollen count of over a thousand is regarded as high. Pollen concentration is as its highest from about sunrise until around 10:00 a.m. and also early in the evening, so use this to your advantage by training later in the evening. Also, aim at hitting the gym on days that pollen count is high.
Windy, clear and dry days are likely to lead to a high pollen count,as pollen is blown around more easily than one rainy, cloudy, and wet days.
Stay Clean and Ready
Immediately after completing your work-out routine, keep your work-out clothes in a bassinet and take off your shoes to avoid the spread of pollen in your home.
Wash your workout attire as soon as possible, and keep another training kit ready in case you need to hit the gym at a moment’s notice. Freshening up after a workout is equally as important as washing your work-out clothes. You can also use a nasal saline spray to clear pollen from your nostrils.
Choose the Right Workout
When the pollen count is high, low-intensity training is a better choice than performing high-intensity workouts. You can also supplement your training with the products available on steroids-evolution.com. If you are highly allergic, try doing indoor exercise and only consider the outdoors when the pollen count is low.
Wear Natural Fibers
Wear clothes made from natural fibers and not synthetic material, this is because synthetic fibers rub against each other and produce an electric charge that attracts pollen.
Wear Glasses Instead of Contacts
The reason for wearing sunglasses alternatively is that wearing contacts can result in small pollen particles getting trapped under them and giving you itchy or watery eyes.
Change Your Route
If you want to lower your exposure to pollen grains, your training venue is as vital as the timing. In urban regions, you are vulnerable to severe allergies. The carbon dioxide and temperature levels are higher in towns than in rural areas. Also, the pollen count is higher in venues with abundant vegetation and high altitudes.
Suburban areas are the ideal location if your allergies are more intense.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to spend their time sneezing and sniffling, but before you pick up an over-the-counter remedy for your allergies, consult with your doctor to get the right prescription and dosage.
With the correct medication and preventive measures, you will enjoy your workouts all spring.
Image credit:Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay
