Exercising in the Clear

March 21, 2008

LOS ANGELES - Longer daylight hours and warmer weather may lure even the most devoted gym rat outdoors to work out. However, hotter temperatures often mean smoggier air conditions, which can make breathing difficult during exercise. According to environmental expert Ed Avol, clinical professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), avoiding busy roadsides and exercise during peak smog hours may be beneficial in the short and long-term to all levels of athletes.

“The best times to work out are during the morning or in the evening and away from traffic. The afternoons usually have the highest concentration of the air pollution we know as smog,” says Avol. “Working out in smoggy conditions can cause a burning sensation in the chest, coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be relieved by avoiding peak times of smog exposure and by avoiding noxious car exhaust.”

Studies have shown that increased exposure to air pollution may contribute to a higher incidence of asthma and reduced lung function, especially among children, continues Avol.

Professional athletes have to be even more mindful of air quality during training. Avol warns that competitive athletes have very high ventilation rates and breathe in lots of outdoor air. “They especially need to be mindful of air exposures because their lungs are like vacuum cleaners that trap the pollution particles. ”

Before the 1984 Summer Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, Avol helped make recommendations to the local government on how to reduce smog exposure through improved air quality.  At this year’s Summer Olympics in Beijing, there are major concerns of poor air quality and athletic performance. Avol recommends that the Olympic committee lobby to move the cars and buses away from the stadiums and competitive areas, shift the event schedules to avoid peak pollution exposure times and shift industrial work schedules to reduce emissions.

“Wearing masks can be restrictive to breathing, so it’s not likely the masks will be effective during competitions,” says Avol. “Working aggressively with the government to reduce exposure would provide the most benefits.”

In general, if you can’t avoid peak traffic pollution areas, consider going indoors suggests Avol. Gyms usually have air filtration and air conditioning systems so it will usually be cooler and with slightly better air quality.


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