Click play to listen to the Indoor vs. Outdoor Workouts – Air Quality and Exercise article.

Long, sunny days are more inviting than ever following a year-plus spent mostly indoors. Biking, hiking, sports, and trips to the beach are refreshing ways to get in some exercise this summer.

Whether you’re exercising to get in shape, relieve stress, or do something fun with the whole family, it’s important to prioritize a Healthy Air environment for your workout.

Here’s how to ensure optimal air quality whether it’s an indoor vs. outdoor workout.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Workouts

Indoor Workouts

Because the outdoor air can be unpredictable, it’s important to have a gameplan for working out indoors this summer. Indoor workouts offer the ability to control the air environment and ensure you’re breathing Healthy Air all summer long.

AprilAire Fresh Air Ventilation: Seek out a well-ventilated space to replace the stale indoor air with fresh air from outside. This is especially important with the increased inhalation/exhalation that comes with exercise

AprilAire Air Filtration: Because you’re trying to avoid outdoor contaminants, make sure you’re filtering the air that’s coming into your home. If your air purification system has custom controls, you can schedule a “cleaning event” for before and after your workout

AprilAire Humidity Control: Your sweat session is bound to add some humidity to your indoor air environment. For maximum comfort, keep the humidity level between 40-60%. Plus, an AprilAire whole-home dehumidifier can relieve some of the burden on your air conditioner during heat waves

If you don’t have much free space or workout equipment available, try some of these simple exercises that use common household items like: tricep dips with a chair, using a detergent bottle as a kettlebell, and door frame burpees

Outdoor Workouts

We’re all for getting outside as much as possible this summer. But keep in mind that air quality can suffer in the warmer seasons because of increased traffic pollution and pollen counts.

The hottest part of the day is typically from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so try to do your workout before or after this time slot to avoid heat exhaustion

Check the allergen counts in your area, especially if you have asthma. When they’re high, find a way to work out indoors

Avoid areas with lots of traffic. If you live in a city, it can be hard to find an area away from cars and planes. Search out designated green spaces in your area to avoid the worst sources of pollution

While we appear to have reached a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic, those who are unvaccinated or at high risk of complications may choose to avoid crowded parks or group exercise classes.