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In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, outdoor exercise is a popular choice for many. The benefits of breathing in fresh air while breaking a sweat are undeniable. However, as air pollution becomes an increasingly prevalent concern in many parts of India, it’s essential to understand when it might be unsafe to exercise outdoors.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is one of the trusted sources for us to measure whether it is feasible for us to perform any type of exercise outdoors. For the unversed, AQI is like the Yelp rating for air, but instead of stars, we get colour-coded categories.
“The specific AQI level considered unsafe for outdoor workouts can vary depending on individual sensitivity, but an AQI above 100 is a cautionary range,” Dr Azmat Karim, consultant, pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi told indianexpress.com.
Good (0-50): The air quality is at a favorable level, making outdoor exercise safe.
Moderate (51-100): The air quality is deemed acceptable. However, it may impact your breathing during outdoor exercise, particularly if you have asthma or allergies. Those who are unusually sensitive should consider reducing prolonged or strenuous physical activity.
Unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150): Concentrations of pollutants may have adverse effects on individuals in sensitive groups, especially those with heart or lung issues. It’s advisable to opt for indoor exercise or limit extended and strenuous outdoor activity to minimise exposure to pollution.
Unhealthy (151-200): Pollutant levels can lead to health problems for the general population. Outdoor exercise is not recommended.
Very unhealthy/hazardous (201-500): The air quality reaches a critical stage, necessitating health warnings. Staying indoors with closed windows or temporarily relocating to an area with better air quality is advisable.
Dr Karim explained that exercising outdoors in poor AQI conditions can have various adverse effects on health. “Breathing in polluted air can lead to respiratory issues, aggravate pre-existing conditions, and reduce exercise performance. Short-term effects may include coughing, wheezing, and irritation, while long-term exposure can increase the risk of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It’s important to monitor AQI levels and consider indoor alternatives when air quality is poor.”
For those wondering whether it’s safe to work out indoors like in gyms or homes, considering outside air may creep inside, Dr Sudhir Kumar said on Twitter that staying indoors is safer than venturing out. Air purifiers at home and gym could potentially improve AQI.
Dr Asmita Mehta, professor and HOD, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi suggested avoiding certain activities when the AQI is unsafe. “These include strenuous exercise, participating in outdoor sports, attending outdoor events like concerts, festivals, or fairs, gardening and yard work, children’s outdoor play, and walking or biking along busy roads.”
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