Now that 2014 has begun, many Americans are signing up for gym memberships to fulfill the popular New Year's resolution of exercising more frequently. That being said, people who suffer from allergies and asthma need to be aware of certain triggers present at these facilities that can exacerbate their symptoms. Here's how you can ensure a safe and healthy work-out:
Choose equipment wisely – "While most exercise machines won't cause you to sneeze or wheeze, rubber mats, medicine balls and some rubber coated free weights might," states Allergy Associates, a doctors' office in Sarasota, Florida, on its website. "Latex can often be found in these items, causing those with latex allergies to develop a rash or hives. Also beware of disinfectant wipes and sprays used to clean gym equipment. They can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can spur an asthma attack or cause skin irritation."
Pay attention to your breathing – It's certainly possible for asthmatics to exercise safely and comfortably without triggering an attack, but they may need to take certain precautions that their non-asthmatic peers don't have to even think about. With this in mind, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your physician to find out if you should be using an inhaler while you work out.
Wear the right clothing – The materials found in certain exercise garments could irritate your skin. Your best bet is to stick with clothes that contain Lycra, as it's a higher-quality substance that is less likely to bother you.
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