Your allergies come and go. They arrive at the most inconvenient of times, and refuse to leave when you want them to – I think we’ve already discussed how they’re similar to that overly friendly neighborof yours.
However, you don’t need to let your allergic condition rule your life. Sure, you’re going to have to work around a few things, but it’s totally manageable – take it from us. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, or just someone who likes the occasional morning run, you’re going to benefit from our allergy checklist.
Here, we present the five cardio commandments to follow if your allergies are blocking the finish line.
Check your calendar
Pollen seasons are fairly predictable, but that doesn’t mean to say you’re 100% safe for the rest of the year (sorry). Keep an eye on the pollen count in your area – you can do this by using a smart mobile app like this one. (See what we did there?)
Seta time
Pollen counts tend to peak around midday, so if you’re wanting to get outside for a run, go first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the pesky particles are at their least harmful. There’s not a huge amount of evidence to support this, but the cooler temperature should have a soothing affect on your symptoms.
Take it easy
This might not be what you want to hear, but indulging in a less intense workout might actually be a good thing. Why? Because of your breathing. The higher the intensity of your workout, the faster you’re going to breathe – which in turn will have you breathing in more allergens than if you were doing something like yoga, pilates or even gentle weight training.
Change it up
Change your clothes as soon as you arrive home. This is probably something you do anyway, but try to remove your clothes in the bathroom and not in a living area to prevent any allergens in the fabric attaching themselves to upholstery around your home.
Watch the weather
If the pollen count is particularly high on a certain day, it might be best to give your workout a miss. If you can’t bear the thought of skipping leg day, pick up a bandana or scarf to wrap around your nose and mouth while you run or train. Or, if you’re open to alternatives, turn our living room into a DIY gym and opt for a mat workout instead.
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