
Get exclusive shopping offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated . What changed?
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
The World Health Organization recommends that masks be worn in public places where social distancing is not possible.
While there are no set guidelines on the best kind of face mask for working out, we do recommend going for one that’s 100% cotton instead of opting for an N95 mask. The lightweight cotton will keep you covered, while still allowing you to breathe easier.
It’s also super easy to wash cotton masks, which is especially helpful if you’re sweating. Keep on scrolling to see where you can buy one online.
Dr Lindsay Bottoms is a Reader in Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is also currently the Deputy Head of the Centre for Research in Psychology and Sports Science.
“Exercise invariably leads to faster and harder breaths, so wearing a mask during exercise places a further strain on airflow. At low to moderate-intensity exercise, effort will feel slightly harder than normal with a mask, but you can still walk comfortably. The challenge appears to be more during heavy exercise (say, rugby or football) taking in air at rates of about 40-100 litres per minute.””
So, it does depend on your training style. We recommend consulting your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions that could further inhibit performance.
Exercising in a face mask means you’re going to need to eventually wash it – and a lot sooner than if you weren’t exercising. To find the best way to do so, we recommend checking the product description on the site you bought it from.
If this information is not available, the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria recommends the following steps to clean your mask:
Main image: Getty Images
Stay safe this summer thanks to the retailers stocking quality UV protection sleeves.
Stay covered while getting into the holiday spirit this year, all thanks to these online retailers.
Skeleton, clown, vampire or zombie – here's where you can shop a range of Halloween masks online.
Stay safe this spooky season with these themed Halloween masks.
If you want to try period underwear, but you're not sure where to start, our list of retailers can help you out.
If you’re looking for a unique mask option, look no further than these printed flower designs.
Stay protected in style with these cute face mask options.
If you're hunting down a copper face mask, here's where you can shop.
Discover the retailers stocking extender straps and lanyards designed to make wearing a mask more convenient.
If you can’t get your hands on a face mask, here’s where you can buy some alternative face covering options in the meantime.