Exercising with allergies isn't easy. In part one of our two-part series, we suggested that you exercise indoors during peak hours when allergies are worse and keep your shoes at the door. Here are four more tips.
1. Get tested
It's best not to guess what you're allergic to. Instead, visit a board-certified allergist. He or she will issue you a series of tests to find out what triggers your allergies. Dr. Michael Foggs, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that to manage allergies you need to understand your environment.
"For example, if you know that you're allergic to ragweed or tree pollen, it's important to know how prevalent those allergens are in the area where you're trying to exercise," Foggs said.
2. Check the forecast
Before you go outside for a jog, check the forecast. If you're allergic to ragweed, it's best to do your jogging really early in the morning or late in the evening. Ragweed tends to rise in the morning and peak at noon.
Usually, pollen counts are highest on windy, warm days and lowest when it's cool and damp. However too much wet weather can promote the growth of allergy-producing plants such as trees and grasses.
3. Try alternative forms of exercise
If you suffer from asthma, allergies can make it worse, which, in turn, makes it more difficult to exercise. If you're struggling to get into a jogging routine during the summer, take up different exercises such as swimming.
4. Don't exercise when you're sick
If you're not feeling well, avoid outdoor exercise. Allergies are more likely to irritate your immune system more when you're tired or sick.
For more information on proper allergy management techniques and allergy control products, visit Allergy Be Gone today.
