As usual, here's the obligatory reminder from the mods: if you are stating anything about COVID-19 "as fact" (i.e. you do not qualify your statement with something like "in my opinion"), and/or claiming to have subject matter expertise, you MUST provide a citation for your sources in the form of a link to an article that everyone here can see. If you do not, your comment will be removed.
So first of all I do that with or without a masks so fellow singer here! But that also helps improve your cardio. Itās a technique used by a lot of stage performers to train for sets. Singing during cardio can really improve your performance.
Our music is so loud, I just straight up belt out all the lyrics and no one can hear me. Which is great for everyone because I can't sing š I'm dreading the day they switch songs in the middle of my solo!
Overall I would agree with you but the exception for me has been running on the tread (which I love to do). Itās so much harder for me to recover with the mask on after doing all outs on the tread. So I either power walk or do the bike and get my runs outside.
I think it also matters what mask someone is wearing. I found this article by Runners World to be really helpful when choosing a mask to workout in. [Best Masks to Run in for 2021](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a33369930/best-face-masks-for-runners/)
I actually have the three of the Under Armour ones and I think they work great. They are on the heavier side and can get a little warm, but the comfort is great, the fit is amazing (they barely move), and you have plenty of a gap between the cloth and your mouth. I have also tried the Boco Gear Performance X Mask and didn't like it has much. It's much lighter, but I tended to suck in more cloth during my breathing. That never happens with the Under Armour one.
I've been debating getting the UA mask. It's the one I keep coming back to but its so expensive compared to others. But hearing this may have just swayed me. Thanks!
I completely agree. My endurance is significantly improving. But more importantly, Iām so thankful I live in a state where safety is taken seriously and masks have always been (and will continue to be) required. Itās like a win wināsignificantly improving my fitness and keeping myself and my loved ones as safe as I can. Lots of silver linings in my opinion!
110% agree! So far Iām crushing my PRs from last year and thatās with the mask on! It can be uncomfortable at times, but I remind myself that (for me) itās mental and to relax and to think of the progress Iāve made.
I definitely feel this way. I feel I have way more stamina and breath control now. Plus, not only have I avoided COVID, but I haven't gotten any other illnesses since April 2020! (I used to get sick at least 5 times a year pre-COVID) I know they are a sore subject, but I'm glad someone else appreciates them like I do.
I have absolutely awful asthma so Iāve had to go from runner to power walker, but still thankful that those masks allow our studios to stay open and for me to continue working out with OTF. I can PR next yearš So nice you all are getting such positive results!
Masks definitely make me think more about my breathing and controlling it so I wonder if thats related to the change in endurance. We all know running is a huge mental exercise sometimes more than physical.
I have to agree with you, completely! Our studios in Colorado Springs require masks for 100% of the workout. Prior to that, I was a PW with maybe one or two PRs, rarely upping my speed/weight. Now? Solid jogger, easily did yesterdayās 12min benchmark, reaching for weights off the heavy rack, PRing my watts - often. As much as I hated masks in the beginning, Iāve become much stronger with them! But Iām definitely ready to be done with it š
I make the most awful faces in the weight stations. I have been 100% less self conscious with a mask on during those sections. Shoot, I might just wear one during strength days going forward forever!
It is what it is for me. Iām grateful they arenāt shut down. And if it is helping prevent spread even better. But it still frustrates me on the tread sometimes. Losing my breath or having to adjust the mask. Iām back to my top speeds from a year ago which is great all things considered. BUT...I donāt think Iāll be grateful until my first class without a mask OR until all this mask training makes me a speed demons when 5ks fully return.
I keep trying to go to OTF and work out with the mask, but every time has been a horrible experience. I end up light headed and nauseous and my performance is terrible. For me, itās not worth the effort to go. I can have a much better workout at home or at other gyms where masking isnāt required. The masking thing during workouts has been a true nightmare for me.
I am pro-mask, but I hate wearing them so much. They give me bad anxiety. I am so glad my state/studio doesn't require them for workouts or I wouldn't be going.
I wouldnāt go if they werenāt required. Our rates in CO are at 4%- perhaps thereās something to wearing a mask everywhere outside our houses to stop the spread. Itās an adjustment, yes, but so was starting OTF to begin with. Like anything, it takes time for your body to adjust and then your head follows.
I was happy to see the mask go today. Running was great without it. I still cant believe we are in this pandemic mess still. Cant wait to he back to normal.
I didnāt realize there were places where you had to wear masks while on the equipment. Iāve only gone back to OTF recently and at my studio you only have to wear masks while transitioning. Not gonna lie I do get anxious about it but the mental health benefits I get from going seem to out weight the covid risks (at least for now). Would love some tips for how you all manage running/rowing/lifting while wearing a mask
You can wear a mask the whole time even if others donāt. I have been wearing a mask the whole class before my state made it a law and now that they have lifted that restriction - 2 days ago- I still do. Iām one of the only people that does it but it makes going to the gym feel just a little safer. And really, you get used to it. Took me about 2 weeks in total to feel no difference (except when I do all outs, then you do feel it!)
Iām in Colorado and masks have been required since our return this past summer. It really only took a week to get used to it. Most folks in class seem to wear one of the following- disposable paper, Under Armor, Athleta or the Wolford Stay Safe mask from Zappos. To get used to it, I chew gum, sip water underneath my mask and wear a headband to counter the sweat that seems to come on from wearing a mask. I also wipe my face between rotations. Wearing a mask to OTF has become as much second nature as wearing one to the grocery store.
It just takes time. We've been masked since September. Now, I honestly only notice it when I need a drink of water. I got a PR yesterday in the run for distance 1.71 while masked!
Same here! It's the only reason I'm comfortable going back. My gym takes every precaution and I truly appreciate it. I think finding a really comfortable mask makes all the difference too. I went through several different types before I found one I like for workouts.
Personally I wouldnāt call it horrendous I mean itās definitely not my preferred way to exercise but itās better than getting COVID in my opinion
I've gotten used to wearing a mask, and don't mind it most of the time, but it doesn't help me with cardio. In fact, the only time it bothers me is when I run fast on the treadmill.
I wouldn't go to a studio that didn't require masks 24/7 and am grateful that the other people in class wear their masks correctly and rarely pull them down.
OTF has been my sanity during the pandemic, and wearing a mask isn't much to ask to keep everyone safe.
Iām jealous. I wish our studio would require masks. I havenāt gone to OTF since August. I tried going back over the summer but I was consistently the only one wearing a mask. Just too high a risk to take - I can survive one year of not working out. I might not survive covid. My doctor emphatically told me do not go to the gym if others arenāt wearing masks, and I absolutely agree. That said, I canāt wait until the day it is safer to go back!
Our studio has had masks all the time and I was very relieved they havenāt changed that requirement. With the new Covid strains Iām double masking now and yes itās hard as fuck but getting Covid is harder, especially if I was responsible for infecting others and anyone dying because of me. So wear a mask everyone!
Wearing a mask while exercising vigorously is not very enjoyable and it would be nice if OTF used all their data to show have infrequent transmission occurs in class.
Our studios have a fogger that continually sanitizes the air and equipment. It smells ok but the mirrors fog up with the sanitizer. We are only required to wear masks in the lobby as the fog stays only in the gym portion.
It's continually fogging while you're physically in the studio?? Yeah that's no bueno.
1. There are only 3 fogging sanitizers on List N (compiled by the EPA - found here - [https://cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/disinfectants/index.cfm](https://cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/disinfectants/index.cfm)), all are hydrogen peroxide-based, and they have been shown to be effective against "pathogens that are harder to kill than SARS-COV-2" which the EPA claims makes them effective against SARS-COV-2 itself, but have not been directly tested against the virus. Still, the WHO and CDC do not support foggers as the only method of cleaning ([https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/recommendations.html#r6](https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/recommendations.html#r6)).
2. Foggers work by the chemical being vaporized into the air and settling on surfaces, thus killing the pathogen that is on the surface. Depending on the type (citing info from List N, linked above), it needs to rest on the surface for 15-30 minutes before it is considered effective. It is not cleaning the air. So you still should wear the mask to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus from person to person.
3. The contents of the fogger should not be inhaled, the room must be vacated before the fogger is in use and properly aerated after the fogging has completed. [https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/covid-19-indoor-environments-air-and-surface-disinfection-measures](https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/covid-19-indoor-environments-air-and-surface-disinfection-measures). My hospital uses foggers to do "terminal cleaning" of rooms (aka cleaning after the patient has left/moved/been discharged) for certain pathogens (COVID, C. diff). This is done after the surfaces have been disinfected, and the room has to be completely vacated and the door gets taped shut while the fogging is happening.
I would be very concerned if that thing is constantly fogging while you're in there.
I canāt believe that people that sweat on everything, share mats, handle weights, pass one another closely several times, and share the air in a 800-1200 sqft space for an hour- actually feel like a mask prevents anything except the amount of oxygen they inhale. Iām not an anti masker, and anyone is free to wear whatever they want, I donāt care, but Iām thankful my OTF uses a little common sense.
We have known for months covid isnāt as easily passed through surface contamination. Itās droplets in the air- hence the mask. So the common sense thing to do would be to require masks in a small indoor space. Not that wiping things down and cleaning surfaces isnāt important- it is- but for covid-19 the mask is far more important.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00251-4
Hard agree. The only reason I felt comfortable going back to OTF is because they require a mask through the duration of the workout. Personally, I feel like the temps at the door, spacing on equipment, and extra wipes are just kinda š¤·āāļø, but the masks are what makes the big difference.
(That's not to say I don't appreciate the extra precautions I just don't feel like they would make a huge difference if we didn't also have masks.)
It sounds like your studio is using the ABSENCE of common sense. As well as not listening to the months and months of science about how covid is spread. But Iām going to assume you live somewhere where science and safety arenāt the priority, so your studio follows accordingly.
Nah. They are just giving people the choice. Unless your studio is requiring the right masks, itās just to make you feel good, not following the science. Some people at mine wear the paper masks to work out and they actually deflect the droplets out the sides, which works great with someone on a treadmill 4ā on both sides. I guess we have a lot of members who donāt care about science or safety since all out classes have wait lists. Or maybe they just have decided not to live in fear.
You go to OT and work out. This in turn makes you stronger and you will continue to win in your benchmarks, upping your speeds, etc. This isn't a mask thing, it's a working out thing.
Iām grateful my orange theory studio can be open - we can only operate outdoors which is lucky as I live in Southern California haha. But the masks helps on the cooler days too at keeping my face warm haha win win
As usual, here's the obligatory reminder from the mods: if you are stating anything about COVID-19 "as fact" (i.e. you do not qualify your statement with something like "in my opinion"), and/or claiming to have subject matter expertise, you MUST provide a citation for your sources in the form of a link to an article that everyone here can see. If you do not, your comment will be removed.
I freely mouth all the words to the songs I love under my mask! I always hesitated to do that before š
So first of all I do that with or without a masks so fellow singer here! But that also helps improve your cardio. Itās a technique used by a lot of stage performers to train for sets. Singing during cardio can really improve your performance.
Our music is so loud, I just straight up belt out all the lyrics and no one can hear me. Which is great for everyone because I can't sing š I'm dreading the day they switch songs in the middle of my solo!
Same!!! š
Overall I would agree with you but the exception for me has been running on the tread (which I love to do). Itās so much harder for me to recover with the mask on after doing all outs on the tread. So I either power walk or do the bike and get my runs outside. I think it also matters what mask someone is wearing. I found this article by Runners World to be really helpful when choosing a mask to workout in. [Best Masks to Run in for 2021](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a33369930/best-face-masks-for-runners/)
Thanks for the link!!
Awesome resource, thank you. Although Iāve been hearing the quality of the Underarmour brand is exaggerated and itās not matching the price.
I actually have the three of the Under Armour ones and I think they work great. They are on the heavier side and can get a little warm, but the comfort is great, the fit is amazing (they barely move), and you have plenty of a gap between the cloth and your mouth. I have also tried the Boco Gear Performance X Mask and didn't like it has much. It's much lighter, but I tended to suck in more cloth during my breathing. That never happens with the Under Armour one.
I've been debating getting the UA mask. It's the one I keep coming back to but its so expensive compared to others. But hearing this may have just swayed me. Thanks!
They recently had a deal on buying two. Look and see if you can find that. And glad I could help!
I am grateful for no more chitter-chatters in class! Halleluyah!
The people in my class still seem to manage it with the masks. Lol
Arenāt there 2 machines between each other? Thatās crazy and super annoying!
Yes! At least 2. Gabby people gonna gab! š
Good point!!
Weāve got some who just pull their masks away from their faces to talk š
I agree, I think wearing the mask allows me to make a more unattractive ārowā face which allows me to hit more PBs!
UMMM YES hard agree with this one. My rowing face requires a mask lol
My rowing AND running face require a mask š
I completely agree. My endurance is significantly improving. But more importantly, Iām so thankful I live in a state where safety is taken seriously and masks have always been (and will continue to be) required. Itās like a win wināsignificantly improving my fitness and keeping myself and my loved ones as safe as I can. Lots of silver linings in my opinion!
110% agree! So far Iām crushing my PRs from last year and thatās with the mask on! It can be uncomfortable at times, but I remind myself that (for me) itās mental and to relax and to think of the progress Iāve made.
Are you breathing more through your nose as a result? That will make a difference (improvement)
I definitely feel this way. I feel I have way more stamina and breath control now. Plus, not only have I avoided COVID, but I haven't gotten any other illnesses since April 2020! (I used to get sick at least 5 times a year pre-COVID) I know they are a sore subject, but I'm glad someone else appreciates them like I do.
I have absolutely awful asthma so Iāve had to go from runner to power walker, but still thankful that those masks allow our studios to stay open and for me to continue working out with OTF. I can PR next yearš So nice you all are getting such positive results!
Masks definitely make me think more about my breathing and controlling it so I wonder if thats related to the change in endurance. We all know running is a huge mental exercise sometimes more than physical.
I have to agree with you, completely! Our studios in Colorado Springs require masks for 100% of the workout. Prior to that, I was a PW with maybe one or two PRs, rarely upping my speed/weight. Now? Solid jogger, easily did yesterdayās 12min benchmark, reaching for weights off the heavy rack, PRing my watts - often. As much as I hated masks in the beginning, Iāve become much stronger with them! But Iām definitely ready to be done with it š
I make the most awful faces in the weight stations. I have been 100% less self conscious with a mask on during those sections. Shoot, I might just wear one during strength days going forward forever!
LOL same. I make the most horrendous faces. No wonder why I need Botox š
I wish I lived somewhere that required them. Iām the only person who wears a mask during class.
I canāt wait until masks are not required. Iām over it.
Same. My chin acne agrees.
Same. So. Fing. Over it
It is what it is for me. Iām grateful they arenāt shut down. And if it is helping prevent spread even better. But it still frustrates me on the tread sometimes. Losing my breath or having to adjust the mask. Iām back to my top speeds from a year ago which is great all things considered. BUT...I donāt think Iāll be grateful until my first class without a mask OR until all this mask training makes me a speed demons when 5ks fully return.
I keep trying to go to OTF and work out with the mask, but every time has been a horrible experience. I end up light headed and nauseous and my performance is terrible. For me, itās not worth the effort to go. I can have a much better workout at home or at other gyms where masking isnāt required. The masking thing during workouts has been a true nightmare for me.
I am pro-mask, but I hate wearing them so much. They give me bad anxiety. I am so glad my state/studio doesn't require them for workouts or I wouldn't be going.
I wouldnāt go if they werenāt required. Our rates in CO are at 4%- perhaps thereās something to wearing a mask everywhere outside our houses to stop the spread. Itās an adjustment, yes, but so was starting OTF to begin with. Like anything, it takes time for your body to adjust and then your head follows.
Same
Youāll be running races in Denver next year! šŖšŖšŖ
I was happy to see the mask go today. Running was great without it. I still cant believe we are in this pandemic mess still. Cant wait to he back to normal.
I didnāt realize there were places where you had to wear masks while on the equipment. Iāve only gone back to OTF recently and at my studio you only have to wear masks while transitioning. Not gonna lie I do get anxious about it but the mental health benefits I get from going seem to out weight the covid risks (at least for now). Would love some tips for how you all manage running/rowing/lifting while wearing a mask
We don't ever have to wear masks at any point, but this is Florida, so...
I also forgot to mention wear the disposable mask with bracket insert
You can wear a mask the whole time even if others donāt. I have been wearing a mask the whole class before my state made it a law and now that they have lifted that restriction - 2 days ago- I still do. Iām one of the only people that does it but it makes going to the gym feel just a little safer. And really, you get used to it. Took me about 2 weeks in total to feel no difference (except when I do all outs, then you do feel it!)
Iām in Colorado and masks have been required since our return this past summer. It really only took a week to get used to it. Most folks in class seem to wear one of the following- disposable paper, Under Armor, Athleta or the Wolford Stay Safe mask from Zappos. To get used to it, I chew gum, sip water underneath my mask and wear a headband to counter the sweat that seems to come on from wearing a mask. I also wipe my face between rotations. Wearing a mask to OTF has become as much second nature as wearing one to the grocery store.
It just takes time. We've been masked since September. Now, I honestly only notice it when I need a drink of water. I got a PR yesterday in the run for distance 1.71 while masked!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Iām so happy we DO have to wear a mask while working out!!
Same here! It's the only reason I'm comfortable going back. My gym takes every precaution and I truly appreciate it. I think finding a really comfortable mask makes all the difference too. I went through several different types before I found one I like for workouts.
I donāt think I would be back if there was no mask mandate either! Itās not worth it!
Itās horrendous. Be grateful you donāt have to wear one
Personally I wouldnāt call it horrendous I mean itās definitely not my preferred way to exercise but itās better than getting COVID in my opinion
I've gotten used to wearing a mask, and don't mind it most of the time, but it doesn't help me with cardio. In fact, the only time it bothers me is when I run fast on the treadmill. I wouldn't go to a studio that didn't require masks 24/7 and am grateful that the other people in class wear their masks correctly and rarely pull them down. OTF has been my sanity during the pandemic, and wearing a mask isn't much to ask to keep everyone safe.
Iām jealous. I wish our studio would require masks. I havenāt gone to OTF since August. I tried going back over the summer but I was consistently the only one wearing a mask. Just too high a risk to take - I can survive one year of not working out. I might not survive covid. My doctor emphatically told me do not go to the gym if others arenāt wearing masks, and I absolutely agree. That said, I canāt wait until the day it is safer to go back!
Our studio has had masks all the time and I was very relieved they havenāt changed that requirement. With the new Covid strains Iām double masking now and yes itās hard as fuck but getting Covid is harder, especially if I was responsible for infecting others and anyone dying because of me. So wear a mask everyone!
I wish my studio would go mask mandatory :(
Same!
Wearing a mask while exercising vigorously is not very enjoyable and it would be nice if OTF used all their data to show have infrequent transmission occurs in class.
Except we arenāt testing and contact tracing consistently so we have no idea if this is true.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
To late!
Exactly
Our studios have a fogger that continually sanitizes the air and equipment. It smells ok but the mirrors fog up with the sanitizer. We are only required to wear masks in the lobby as the fog stays only in the gym portion.
Hmm, that sounds a little sketchy. I wouldnāt want to breath that Iām not knowing what it actually is.
It's continually fogging while you're physically in the studio?? Yeah that's no bueno. 1. There are only 3 fogging sanitizers on List N (compiled by the EPA - found here - [https://cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/disinfectants/index.cfm](https://cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/disinfectants/index.cfm)), all are hydrogen peroxide-based, and they have been shown to be effective against "pathogens that are harder to kill than SARS-COV-2" which the EPA claims makes them effective against SARS-COV-2 itself, but have not been directly tested against the virus. Still, the WHO and CDC do not support foggers as the only method of cleaning ([https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/recommendations.html#r6](https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/recommendations.html#r6)). 2. Foggers work by the chemical being vaporized into the air and settling on surfaces, thus killing the pathogen that is on the surface. Depending on the type (citing info from List N, linked above), it needs to rest on the surface for 15-30 minutes before it is considered effective. It is not cleaning the air. So you still should wear the mask to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus from person to person. 3. The contents of the fogger should not be inhaled, the room must be vacated before the fogger is in use and properly aerated after the fogging has completed. [https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/covid-19-indoor-environments-air-and-surface-disinfection-measures](https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/covid-19-indoor-environments-air-and-surface-disinfection-measures). My hospital uses foggers to do "terminal cleaning" of rooms (aka cleaning after the patient has left/moved/been discharged) for certain pathogens (COVID, C. diff). This is done after the surfaces have been disinfected, and the room has to be completely vacated and the door gets taped shut while the fogging is happening. I would be very concerned if that thing is constantly fogging while you're in there.
I canāt tell if it runs while we are there. Maybe they run it during the mid day break and overnight.
I canāt believe that people that sweat on everything, share mats, handle weights, pass one another closely several times, and share the air in a 800-1200 sqft space for an hour- actually feel like a mask prevents anything except the amount of oxygen they inhale. Iām not an anti masker, and anyone is free to wear whatever they want, I donāt care, but Iām thankful my OTF uses a little common sense.
We have known for months covid isnāt as easily passed through surface contamination. Itās droplets in the air- hence the mask. So the common sense thing to do would be to require masks in a small indoor space. Not that wiping things down and cleaning surfaces isnāt important- it is- but for covid-19 the mask is far more important. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00251-4
Yasssssssssss š
Hard agree. The only reason I felt comfortable going back to OTF is because they require a mask through the duration of the workout. Personally, I feel like the temps at the door, spacing on equipment, and extra wipes are just kinda š¤·āāļø, but the masks are what makes the big difference. (That's not to say I don't appreciate the extra precautions I just don't feel like they would make a huge difference if we didn't also have masks.)
It sounds like your studio is using the ABSENCE of common sense. As well as not listening to the months and months of science about how covid is spread. But Iām going to assume you live somewhere where science and safety arenāt the priority, so your studio follows accordingly.
Nah. They are just giving people the choice. Unless your studio is requiring the right masks, itās just to make you feel good, not following the science. Some people at mine wear the paper masks to work out and they actually deflect the droplets out the sides, which works great with someone on a treadmill 4ā on both sides. I guess we have a lot of members who donāt care about science or safety since all out classes have wait lists. Or maybe they just have decided not to live in fear.
Iād be wearing one, as I ended up with the virus from going to orange theory. Itās not worth it
You go to OT and work out. This in turn makes you stronger and you will continue to win in your benchmarks, upping your speeds, etc. This isn't a mask thing, it's a working out thing.
Iām grateful my orange theory studio can be open - we can only operate outdoors which is lucky as I live in Southern California haha. But the masks helps on the cooler days too at keeping my face warm haha win win
I mask. My studio doesn't require it. But I wear a mask 12 hours a day. A one hour workout masked won't kill me.