Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan Suggests Not To Wear Mask While Exercising, Here's Why

There have been a lot of confusions and myths about some of the daily activities, amid the coronavirus pandemic. While at one side, it is being recommended to stay fit and build strong immune systems, on the other hand, people are not sure where and how are they supposed to work out! Among all the other confusions, a new debate on whether to wear a face mask while working out is necessary, or it can cause a health threat has stirred up. The Health Minister of India, Dr Harsh Vardhan has cleared the air.

Taking to his official twitter handle he informed, “People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.” To describe the reason behind the same, he posted a picture alongside. “Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measures during exercise is to maintain a physical distance of at least one meter from others,” read the post.

Can people wear #Masks while exercising?

People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.#IndiaFightsCorona @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/5RV0vWvEcP

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) July 16, 2020

To understand what other measures a person should take while working out, Hz spoke to Dr Piyush Goel, Senior Pulmonologist at Columbia Asia Hospital Gurugram. “It’s a great effort by our honorable health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to take up such a pertinent issue of wearing a mask while exercising. He set the record straight by requesting the public not to wear masks while doing a workout at a time when there was confusion among the common public whether to put the face mask on or not,” he said.

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While the idea of going out for exercise or regular morning walks in parks sounds really tempting, as it’s good for your physical and mental wellbeing, we have to note that the threat of the novel coronavirus is still looming large. However, if you are going out for jogging or exercising, follow these five tips:

Choose A Place With Fewer People

Until now, we all have understood the importance of social distancing to keep ourselves from catching this life-threatening virus. Since, just like you, other people can be on the roads or parks to exercise, so be cautious, and always choose a place with fewer people. Avoid exercising in those areas, where chances of running into people are higher.

Don’t Touch Anything

According to the World Health Organisation, when someone who has coronavirus coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid. Those droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects and of course, you don’t want to catch COVID-19 by touching those contaminated surfaces. Therefore, when you venture outdoors, it is very important that you don’t touch anything at all. From park gates, lift buttons, plants, trees to even the benches, everything and anything outdoors must be in your ‘do not touch’ list to avoid contamination.

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Take It Easy For The Coming Few Months

Yes, it is imperative to look after ourselves by consuming wholesome food and exercising. But, anything shouldn’t be at the cost of your health. If you can work out at home, nothing like it, otherwise, keep in mind that this is not the time to keep up with your regular running/jogging routine, so learn to take it easy for the coming few months.

Shower With Lukewarm Water

This is one of the most important steps to follow after you come back from your workout sessions. Immediately take shower with lukewarm water after entering the room. If your body temperature is high and you have symptoms of cold and cough then don’t go to the park. Also, do not touch anything after entering your home. If possible, also stay away from your family members, until you take a shower.

Avoid Taking Part In Group Sports

Group activities are a big no-no during this pandemic. We all must practice social distancing and maintain a safe distance. The World Health Organisation recommends maintaining at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and others, to stay safe. And that’s why one must avoid taking part in group sports or group exercises and visit parks that are near to your home if you have to.

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