Allergies are always miserable, but trying to push through a workout with allergies is another level of discomfort. To put your mind and body at ease, you need to allergy-proof your home gym — especially if you suffer from allergic asthma, which can be aggravated by cardio workouts like spinning or rowing.
To save yourself from a sniffly run on the treadmill this spring, allergy-proof your home with the following steps:
1. Focus on the Home Gym
Focus your allergy proofing where you house your workout equipment or spend your time exercising. Make sure to deep clean the:
- If you have high-pile carpeting, be sure to vacuum at least once a week and shampoo every few weeks. If you have removable rugs, consider removing them until allergy season has passed, or make sure to vacuum and wash as often as possible.
- Try to keep furniture located near your workout space limited to leather, plastic, metal, or wood pieces to minimize surfaces where allergens can gather.
- During allergy and pollen season, keep your windows closed and use filtered air conditioning. Remember to clean dust, condensation, and mold from your frames and sills at least once a week.
- House plants. Move potted plants to an outdoor space or, at the very least, out of your workout space during allergy season.
2. Clean the Bedroom
Your bedroom can be home to plenty of allergens, so it should be next in your spring-cleaning spree. Don’t forget to check out:
- Wash your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases on high heat at least once a week to minimize allergens. Consider putting away comforters for the summer or wash them weekly. Get rid of wool or feather duvets bedding, as they can aggravate allergy symptoms.
- Move any washable area rugs and vacuum all surfaces at least once a week.
- Blinds and curtains. Make sure to dust blinds and use washable cotton curtains to minimize allergens in your bedroom.
- Bedrooms often accumulate clutter such as books, magazines, children’s toys, and keepsakes. Minimize dust by putting away unneeded items, storing toys in plastic bins, and dusting daily.
- Air filter. Buy an air filter that purifies the air while you sleep or work out. Make sure to face the filter in your direction for maximum effect.
3. Check Out the Rest of Your Home
Some additional elements to consider when cleaning your home include:
- Stoves and sinks. Make use of vents and fans to draw out cooking fumes and moisture. Regularly clean your sinks to reduce mold and mildew.
- Shower, tubs, and toilets. Keep your bathroom clean to avoid any build-up of mildew or bacteria, which can set your allergies into overdrive.
- Let your pet out for a relaxing afternoon in the backyard sun during your workout. You can also reduce dander and other allergens from your pet by bathing them every few weeks. Don’t bathe them too often though — dry skin can aggravate pet dander.
- Humidity and temperature. Maintaining a pleasant, cool temperature can prevent dust mites, mold, and other unpleasant allergens from entering your home. Keep your air-conditioning filters clean and up-to-date.
Don’t let allergies derail your fitness schedule. Keeping a weekly cleaning routine can help save you from the worst of allergy season and keep you on track with your fitness goals. If you’re looking for the best home fitness equipment, the experts at G&G Fitness can help you build the perfect at-home gym.
