This dismal spring has seemed endless. You're more than ready to take your workout outdoors.
When you do, remember this caveat: How you breathe may have an impact on your health.
The reason, says James Ultman, a researcher at Pennsylvania State University, is that breathing through the nose helps filter the air. When you inhale through your mouth, your lungs absorb more air pollutants, especially in urban areas.
Ultman, a professor of chemical engineering, says there may be particular peril on some sunny, smoggy days when ozone is prevalent. Breathing through the mouth then especially can "drive more pollutants into your lungs," he says.
Still, because the body's natural reflex is to breathe through the mouth during exercise to boost oxygen intake, it's impossible to avoid that kind of breathing completely.
The bottom line?
Be mindful of the risk, especially if you have sensitivities that may be triggered by air irritants.
And there's always the gym.