BEST PRACTICE FOR
WEARING FACEMASKS IN
THE GYM ENVIRONMENT
Handled incorrectly, masks can hinder rather than assist your best efforts to protect
yourself and others in the gym from the spread of COVID and other viruses. Dr Vincent
Candrawinata PhD looks at how to make mask wearing an effective exercise.
A
sweat towel, a drink bottle and a
good pair of runners used to be
the gym bag essentials, but in
today’s climate a facemask is the new musthave
accessory.
Any indoor activity involving close
proximity to others carries with it a risk
for transmission of viruses. Government
regulations pertaining to social distancing
and safety protocols, including mandatory
gym floor supervision from hygiene marshals
in some states, have been implemented to
ensure that, despite the heavier breathing
induced by exercise, those training and
working in fitness facilities can do so in
a COVID-safe manner. Face masks or
coverings are another weapon in the war
against the spread of the virus.
Type of mask
In the fight against COVID-19, there are three
types of mask to be aware of:
N95 respirator
This is the most restrictive type of mask,
designed to have high efficiency filtering
capabilities. Used in healthcare settings or
in highly risky situations, it is not suitable
for wearing when exercising. It is harder to
breathe while wearing it, particularly during
exercise, and wearers are also likely to adjust
the mask frequently, rendering it useless
(see section below on handling of masks).
Surgical mask
A surgical mask is a loose-fitting,
disposable device that creates a physical
barrier between the mouth and nose of the
wearer and potential contaminants in the
immediate environment. A surgical mask
can be comfortable enough for us to wear
every day, including in the gym environment,
because of the loose-fitting design.
However, studies have shown that we do not
44 | NETWORK SPRING 2020