Don't Let Allergies Be an Excuse to Not Work Out

Up to this year, I have been fortunate not to be plagued by seasonal allergies.  Then, WHAM...mucus, phlegm, headaches...ughhhh, the inability to breathe....  Allergies!

I was feeling so strong all season and now what?!!  Well, hell if I'm going to let some stupid pollen keep me from enjoying this gorgeous weather.  If you are plagued by seasonal allergies, here are some tips to help you keep moving:

• Avoid morning workouts. Allergens peak from 5-10 a.m. to noon, which means if you're a morning exerciser you may want to hold off until later in the day.
• If the rain rolls in, that doesn't mean you have to head to the gym. In fact, rain washes away the pollen, which means that one of the best times for an allergy sufferer to work out outdoors is right after it rains.
• Avoid exercising in places where the pollen is at its greatest (i.e. parks, fields, trails, etc.) and stick to places that have a lower pollen counts (i.e. beaches, gyms, basketball or tennis courts, etc.).
• After being outside, shower and change your clothes so you don’t keep carrying the pollen with you.
• Sleep with the windows closed so you don’t start the day congested.
• Learn to use a neti pot and saline solution to cleanse your nose daily during allergy season. Studies have shown that cleansing the nasal passages daily can be a first line of defense against allergies

If all else fails, hit the gym. A little cross-training might be just what you need anyway.  Don't let a little pollen stop you on your quest for health!