Phone, wallet, keys, mask.
That’s been our memorized checklist of items before heading out for almost three years and counting.
While much time has passed, COVID-19 cases are still happening around us, so this checklist is the way to go before heading out to work out this fall.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masking up is the way to go, whether you’re inside or outside or near people.
“Exercising and physical activity are important for physical and mental health and should be continued for healthy living, especially during the coronavirus crisis,” reads the CDC website. “However, it is necessary to take precautions to reduce exposure to and transmission of COVID-19.”
It’s also important to note that “wearing masks during exercise has not been shown to be harmful” for healthy people, the CDC site explains. Though, you should “remove your mask if it gets moist from sweat and replace it with a clean mask while exercising” and “have more than one mask on hand so that you can easily replace a moist mask with a dry one.”
As described by the CDC, working out while wearing a mask can be a sweaty situation, especially if you don’t have the correct type of mask for such rigorous activity. Luckily, many sports and athletic companies saw the need to add masks made from sweat-wicking materials and comfortable elastics to their product offering.
Here are some gym-worthy options that wick-sweat, keep you as cool as possible and, most importantly, protect yourself and others while working out.
These are some of the best masks for working out, but if you rather stick with a classic KF94 mask, we have some great options for you here, too.
1. lululemon Ear Loop Face Mask 3 Pack, $19, original price: $34
These lululemon masks will have you looking great in the gym while protecting yourself and others.
These masks wick sweat away for comfortable and no-slip wear while you work out. We also love the adjustable ear-loops and various color offerings, such as teal, black, gray and more.
2. Masqd Ultra Sport Face Mask, $5, original price: $24
Follow the example of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Busy Philipps, and many more celebrity mask-wears and rock a mask from Masqd.
The sports style is primarily the mask we recommend for the gym, as it was designed with performance and style in mind. The mask has three layers of protection, a filter pocket, adjustable earloops and a nose bridge to keep it safe and secure, even while sweating. The mask comes in black, white, blue, pink and more fashion-forward colors, so feel free to browse the rest of the site and stock up on other stylish masks in addition to some for your gym bag.
3. evolvetogether Milan 30-Pack, $36
For a disposable option, look no further than evolvetogether.
The mask company has a perfect pack for you, with 30 disposable masks in various colors, including black, gray, white and army green. No matter the color, each mask is four-ply for added protection while remaining lightweight and breathable for runners and high-intensity workouts.
4. Adidas Face Cover 3-Pack, $12
Get back to the track with this face mask built for the athlete in all of us.
From Adidas, the face covering is a simple black mask with the white logo but provides protection against COVID-19 and a sweaty face. The mask is made with a minimum of 40% recycled content, making it better for the planet as well. It’s also fully machine washable to wear again and again for every workout.
5. Under Armour Sportsmask, $25
Made for athletes big and small, the Sportsmask is certainly one of the best masks to work out in that fits your face but is also breathable while you exercise. The mask comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to XXL, to fit almost everyone.
“When health officials said healthy people should wear face masks, we started building prototypes until we made the perfect one for athletes. It’s got the airflow you need, a cool feel, and the best fit for running or training,” reads the product page.
6. Asics Runners Mask, $20, original price: $40
Run fast and breathe light with this runner’s mask from Asics.
Asics designed this mask for working out, with a unisex fit for any runner. The covering also comes with adjustable earloops and a tie behind the head for a super-secure yet comfortable fit.
7. Reebok Face Mask (3 pack), $15, original price: $30
Reebok is the name of the game when it comes to stylish and unmatched activewear — and that includes their line of masks.
This three-pack above comes in black, each with the Reebok logo and a snug fit. In addition to their comfort, this pack comes in small, medium and large sizes.
8. H_llo Friend The Ultra Mask 1.0, $21, original price: $30
Hello, friends who like to work out and stay cool.
The Ultra Mask from H_llo Friend is an excellent option for those who need extra help staying dry when sweating hard, as the mask has its CoolMax inner liner to wick sweat away and cool the skin. The mask is also fully washable and reusable, and you can configure it to loop around the ears or the back of the head for even more comfort.
9. Safe+Mate x Case-Mate Cloth Face Masks, $6, original price: $25
Made of cotton and polyester, this three-pack of masks comes in small, medium and large sizes.
The contoured fabric panel allows for a secure fit, while the nose bridge provides comfort. Each ear loop also includes a back elastic, which helps relieve tension and allows the mask to be hung from the neck when not in use.
10. HAPPYDAY KF94 Face Masks, $23, original price: $30
You can never go wrong with a classic KF94 face mask.
This set of 25 masks is made in Korea, and each is packaged individually for safety. Best of all, they are lightweight, comfortable and rest above your face instead of on top of your face. This way, the sweat from working out won’t get all over your mask.
11. AirPop Active+ High-Performance Smart Mask, $100
Pop on this mask, and you’re good to go.
Not only is the AirPop Smart Mask one of the most breathable face masks, but it’s also a state-of-the-art smart mask that filters out 97% of pollutants. The corresponding app can then help monitor other things, like air pollution in your area, helping you breathe free and clean on the go.
12. Enro Active Face Mask, $16.50
Get going and grab this active mask from Enro.
The Active Mask comes in two shapes for the most comfortable fit, from a more molded version to a rounder mask with more room to breathe. Both masks come in an array of colors and sizes, from kid’s masks to an XL for adults.
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