When Reno health clubs opened their doors after quarantine, everyone was just excited to get back into the gym – even if that meant wearing a face mask. Though we were all grateful to be able to enjoy a thorough workout in a fully equipped gym, face masks were a pretty big inconvenience. Breathing is crucial when exercising, which can be significantly limited when wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth. Fortunately, things are starting to get back to normal and thanks to the vaccination, COVID policies are starting to lift. Per the CDC, Reno gyms are now allowing vaccinated guests to work out without wearing their masks.
Read more below for gym updates and tips!
COVID-19 Gym Updates
As of May 13, 2021, the CDC has updated its coronavirus guidelines to allow fully vaccinated people to go maskless in any setting – including the gym. According to the CDC, “indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk to fully vaccinated people.” And because fully vaccinated people have a reduced risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated people, there’s no worry about spreading the disease either. The CDC specifically stated that “fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
Now that you can work out more comfortably, take a look at Flex Appeal, the best South Reno gym, and try our free Reno gym trial today.
The Importance of Gyms and Exercise
Exercise researchers such as Zhen Yan, Ph.D., have found that exercise leads to the production and release of a highly powerful antioxidant enzyme called “extracellular superoxide dismutase” (EcSOD). The antioxidant works to fight harmful free radicals in the body and help prevent tissue damage caused by disease. EcSOD is naturally made by our muscles which are fueled by cardiovascular exercise and circulated through our internal systems and organs.
With the news that masks are no longer required for vaccinated people in the gym, guests are getting back to their usual workout routines, and have even noticed an improvement in their breathing. Researchers have also discovered that regular exercise can strengthen the respiratory system – more specifically, the lungs. Your diaphragm, which is made of muscles, allows you to inhale and exhale air. Exercising these muscles will make them stronger, ultimately improving your breathing cycle. While exercise can significantly improve your lung function, obstructed breathing during your workout makes it less effective.
Exercising and Proper Breathing
Exercise is important for staying healthy, but even more important is practicing proper breathing while you work out. Your breathing can affect a variety of things, including your overall health and how effective your workout even is. Throughout the day, we tend to take shorter, shallow breaths which are fast-paced and often through the mouth. Likewise, mask-wearing causes many people to inhale and exhale more rapidly. This coupled with your already shallow breathing can cause you to experience anxiety, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, confusion, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and sleep problems.
To combat this, experts have suggested that people start:
- Taking more quality breaths with focused breathing in through the nose and slowly out through the mouth.
- Taking longer, slower breaths to regulate the symptoms of shallow breathing,
- Taking mask breaks during workouts
- Practicing respiratory muscle training (RMT) to improve respiratory muscle strength.
Exercise Safely at Reno Health Clubs
Your health during this time is crucial and exercise can ensure you stay as healthy as possible right now. An increase in the production of EcSOD can be seen after just one session of exercise which has been proven to improve lung, heart, and kidney function. The great thing about exercise is you can do it from almost anywhere, including your home. But if you’re ready to work out in a gym with equipment, weights, mats, and more, then connect with the best South Reno gym today!
Our South Reno fitness center has recently started allowing fully vaccinated guests to work out without wearing their masks for an even better workout. Try out a 24 hour, 7 day free trial to one of the best gyms in Reno.
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