Tips for exercising outdoors with seasonal allergies

Tips for exercising outdoors with seasonal allergies

Now that the weather has become pleasant and warm, exercising outdoors is a nice change of pace. But what if you suffer from tree, grass, or ragweed pollen making you sneeze and sniffle this time of year? If you’re an outdoor exercise enthusiast, there’s no need to put your workout on hold during allergy season. By practicing the following tips, you can still by physically active outdoors even during pollen season:

Choose the right time of day

The worst time to exercise outdoors is during the afternoon when pollen counts are at their peak. Your best bet is to get in an early morning workout or after the sun has set in the evening. Early morning provides an added benefit of dew keeping the pollen counts down and you’ll avoid the mid-day heat putting you at risk of dehydration and heat stroke. If you choose to exercise in the evening, be sure to carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing so you can be seen by others.

Watch the weather

Besides timing of day, keep an eye on the weather. If it’s a hot, dry, and windy day, it’ll be best to take exercise indoors.

Wear eye protection

If watery eyes got you down due to seasonal allergies, wear a pair of sports goggles or tight-fitting sunglasses. Be sure the sunglasses indicate they can block UV sunlight to protect your vision.

Find someone else to mow the lawn

A well-manicured lawn is a beautiful sight but not at the expense of suffering from seasonal allergies. Lawn mowers kick up a lot of pollen and even mold and will also make you miserable afterwards. Find someone else in your family who does not have seasonal allergies or consider hiring a high school or college student who could use the extra money to mow it for you.

Switch up your exercise routine

If you find yourself only engaging in one form of exercise, such as walking on a nature trail that drives your allergies crazy, it’s time to switch it up. Consider exercising in areas like a tennis court or swimming pool where you are not exposed to grass, trees, and other pollen sources.

Other good ideas for managing seasonal allergies:

·      Keep an eye on weather reports on television or online to know when it’s safe for you to exercise outdoors

·      Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car during allergy season

·      Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you’ve been working or exercising outdoors.

·      Avoid exercising in locations where triggers may be higher such as in a park or a meadow

·      Wearing sunglasses and a hat help pollen and mold spores out of your eyes and hair

·      Keep sheets and pillows free from allergens by again, taking a shower and washing your hair before bedtime

·      If you find your allergies bothering you on a particular day, do something less intense, such as going for a walk instead of a run

·      When allergy symptoms are particularly bad, skip your outdoor workout. Take your exercise indoors on those days. 

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.