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Whether you are looking for a face mask for exercise with for outdoor activities or to return to a fitness center to work out indoors, we’ve found options that won’t let you down.
But if you rush back to group classes you might want to take a break for now – Infectious Disease Specialist Dr Sandra Kesh advises do not exercise indoors with other people you do not know without a mask. (Here’s how to make a mask feel more comfortable.)
Read more: The best masks for running
And now, let’s take a look at our picks for the best face masks for workouts. We recently updated this story.
Under protection
Under Armor designed the UA Sportsmask with athletes in mind, but any avid practitioner will find the mask useful if you are looking to switch from a standard cloth face mask. The mask is made up of three different layers designed to allow air circulation while protecting you. One layer of the mask has an antimicrobial treatment called “PROTX2”.
When I tried on the Under Armor mask during a cardio workout, I noticed for the first time that I felt comfortable on my face – it didn’t stick to my mouth which can be uncomfortable when you breathe harder. When I started to sweat, I noticed that instead of feeling hot in the mask, I felt cool, which was so nice.
The mask didn’t completely wick away moisture, but since the fabric wasn’t that tight on my mouth, that wasn’t a problem. Although the mask earrings are not adjustable, they are stretchy and comfortable. Overall I was impressed with this mask and would be comfortable wearing it in indoor or outdoor fitness environments.
Well
The Well Movement mask is made of 50% cotton so it may not stay dry during serious sweat sessions but for most activities it will work better than a 100% cotton mask because it is also made of polyester and elastane anti-perspiration. The earrings are adjustable which is a huge plus for fit and comfort. There is also a handy strap attached so that you can wear the mask around your neck.
The best feature of the mask is the moldable nasal pad so that you can make sure it fits comfortably and perfectly on your face. After testing this mask, I decided it was best for walking and not for heavy workouts (I would go for the UnderArmour mask for those) as the fabric is thin but still comfortable.
Carbon38
Carbon38 The mask kit comes with two masks, plus a laundry bag for washing. The masks are made from a blend of polyester and cotton, so they dry quickly and help keep you cool. The earrings are adjustable for a perfect fit and the masks are available in two sizes.
Carbon38 says the masks are made with a multi-layered filtration system to protect you, and the fabric has anti-bacterial properties. I liked the thickness of the fabric of these masks – the nose is also structured to help it stay in place which is useful for movement. The adjustable earrings give it a more tailored and personalized fit.
These masks would work great for a brisk walk or any other low intensity workout as they fit close to your face. They might be difficult to wear during a more intense workout.
Adidas
The Daily Mask from Proper Cloth is made from linen, has an antimicrobial treatment and contains a filter for extra protection. The mask fits comfortably with adjustable earrings and the nose bridge is not too stiff, but helps keep it anchored to your face.
I like the linen fabric because it is light and breathable, but I would wear it for more leisurely activities such as walking, pilates or yoga. If you sweat a lot, it will get wet, as linen is not the best performing fabric.
Onzie
Working out in yoga clothes is a lot more comfortable than regular clothes, so why not take the same approach for your face mask? Yoga and athletic clothing brand Onzie uses recycled yoga fabrics to create masks that are stretchy and dry quickly – just like your favorite leggings. Just a warning: because the brand reuses fabrics from yoga clothing, you can’t choose specific colors and patterns, but it’s definitely worth it for a more durable mask option.
When I tried on the mask it was exactly what I expected. The mask fits your face perfectly, but the material is stretchy (like yoga pants) and breathable. Even though the earrings are not adjustable, they are still comfortable and the mask still fits perfectly.
Because the mask isn’t super adjustable, I would wear it for less intense workouts that won’t let you breathe so hard. For more intense workouts, such as high impact cardio, you want to make sure that you have room around your mouth to breathe, so the UnderArmour mask would be more suitable.
coral
Koral uses the same high performance antimicrobial fabric to make their face masks as their sportswear, which is stretchy and quick-drying. When I put it to the test, I immediately found the soft, stretchy fabric comfortable against my face. The only thing I don’t like about this mask is that the earrings are not adjustable. After wearing this mask while jogging or going for a walk, you can throw it away in the wash as the mask is machine washable.
Athelta
The Athleta Made to Move mask was specially designed for exercise – which I could tell right away when I tried the mask on. It is one of the most comfortable and breathable masks I have tried to date.
The material is light and the inside of the mask has a mesh lining. The fabrics help take care of the moisture and the mask fits perfectly, but you can still breathe. There is also an interior pocket inside the mask if you want to add a filter layer (although this is not included). The earrings are made of a soft elastic that will not pull your hair and are adjustable.
The Athleta mask is ideal for walking or even outdoor workouts like jogging or cycling. Since the mask is breathable and adjustable, you can be sure that it will not fall off your face during movement.
What to look for in face masks for exercise
Fabric
Fabric is one of the most important factors when it comes to exercising with a mask. For everyday activities, cloth masks are ideal. But with exercise, cotton gets wet very quickly, which can make breathing more difficult and promote bacterial growth. So for this reason, masks made with breathable fabric similar to that used in sportswear (like spandex or polyester) are your best choice. But still, you want the mask to be breathable and comfortable while you move.
In shape
There is nothing worse than having a face mask sag or fall off while you are moving. First of all, it’s just boring. Second, it will disrupt your workout if you have to stop to fix it and you will likely have to touch your face – which you should avoid doing to stay safe.
Look for a face mask that is adjustable or available in different sizes to find the one that’s right for you. Stretch earrings or rubber bands tend to fit snugly and don’t slip around as much as masks that tie around your head.
Antimicrobial characteristics
Since sweat and humidity can be a breeding ground for bacteria, masks with some type of filter or antimicrobial coating are ideal for physical activity. (Many of the masks on this list have these characteristics.) While these don’t actually kill or destroy a viral particle, it doesn’t hurt to have these extra barriers in place.
Also, be aware that no mask on this list can offer a 100% guarantee that it will protect you from the virus, no matter how many fancy features it has. But wearing a mask is just another tool that can act as an added barrier to help stop the spread and protect you and others.
More fitness and health advice
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended for health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
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