Why it could be dangerous to exercise with a face mask on.

[2greys]

"Yet a mask makes it harder to inhale the quantity of air needed to perform at the highest levels. We know that wearing a surgical mask can increase the resistance to airflow. Exercise invariably leads to faster and harder breaths, so wearing a mask during exercise places a further strain on airflow.

At low to moderate-intensity exercise, effort will feel slightly harder than normal with a mask, but you can still walk comfortably. The challenge appears to be more during heavy exercise (say, rugby or football) taking in air at rates of about 40-100 litres per minute."

theconversation.com/why-it-...

[2greys]

Those of us with compromised, less efficient, lungs might need to heed this warning. Walking at a slower pace might be needed and save serious exercise well away from others, without a mask.

[hypercat54 in reply to 2greys]

Because I also have a chronically painful back as well I breathe heavily even when walking slowly on the flat bent over with my stick. I have asthma too which is often triggered by stress or heat. These are the reasons why I daren't risk using a face mask. x

[CDPO16 in reply to 2greys]

I have no choice but to walk at a slow pace. That's serious exercise for me and even then I have to stop after about 100 yards so I'll be steering clear of the outside world for the foreseeable future.

[sylvi in reply to CDPO16]

I don't exercise as i have other health issues as well.xxx

[Hidden]

Not much chance of me doing that, I shall probably be avoiding places where a mask is require, sitting still is easiest, and walking challenging anything over 7 mins.

I'll definitely be exercising without a mask away from others.

[Hidden]

Even my husband, who is very fit, finds moderate exercise difficult whilst wearing a mask

[sylvi]

I am still new at this breathing lark(i know i am 64 and should be able to breathe by now. Well a lady needs a laugh) I didn't realise the face mask would making exercise more difficult. I know i find wearing a mask makes my breathing harder, but i have brought a couple of hats one with a visor and another with a face covering attached to it and i find that easier to wear.xx

[Badbessie]

I cannot see the point of wearing a mask. I exercise on my own away from others. I went shopping the other day and did wear a mask. I was definitely in a small minority. The only people wearing them was from the older generation.

[2greys in reply to Badbessie]

The young, of course, believe they are invincible. They think that it won't happen to them as the odds of them dying are so small, without thinking about those that are at high risk.

[hallentine47]

I am unable to walk for longer than a minute at a slow pace before having to stop and recover breathing adequate to walk another one minute and so on. This is using a treadmill in the garage area of our home. However I can use a static bike for 5 minutes at a time. I will not be wearing a mask when I do these ecercises as I stay at home to do them but if I leave the house I will certainly wear a mask.

[Grandmatojack]

I retain carbon dioxide and when I go out I use a nippy which is a portable bipap machine I cannot not use it . The mask for it covers the nose but no way could I put another mask over it.