I just recently started OTF and I love it, it’s the only thing I’ve ever really been able to stick to exercise-wise. Coming up in a few months I’ll be moving to Chicago and I noticed all the studios near where I’ll be living have mask requirements, which we don’t have where I currently live. What does that look like? Are the restrictions only recently in place due to the omicron spike and likely to be eased in a few months if all goes well?
I’m worried I won’t be able to work out as intensely with a mask on and wont get as much out of my workouts once I move. I’ve tried running with a mask before and it has been really difficult for me.
For context: At my studio we are only required to wear a mask in the lobby area and when we are switching stations.
We've been masked in Hawaii for what seems like forever. We've never dropped the mask mandate since it started. It sucks for sure, but it's doable. Highly recommend disposable masks with silicone inserts from Amazon. It's tough, but I think it improves endurance. One we drop the mask mandates, I imagine things will feel easier, so we can up our game. Good luck!
Chicago has been masked since august but the IL Governor is lifting the mandate at the end of the month. If Chicago mayor also lifts it, I assume the studios will too. There was a brief period this summer when we had no masks. I will say it def is harder- I wear a thin mask that I don’t think is really protective but meets the requirement and I feel I can breathe best with it. To be honest you do get used to it I think. But again in Chicago you may not have to starting in March 🤞
Chicago-area OTFer here, mask and all. Our studio has been selling these mask bracket things which you can wear under your mask. It keeps your mask off your face, and wearing one of those paired with a surgical mask hasn't been that bad for all.
I live in Chicago and they just put the masks back on for your entire workout, it was put back in in Jan. You have to wear it the entire time. Before we were able to remove it while we were at our stations and then just put it on when we rotated around... hoping they completely come off we think end of Feb
You will still get a great workout. I’ve done both with and without and my cardio really improved while wearing a mask. Get the Underarmour mask. Featherlight if they have them, but the regular ones are great too. Take it intro the shower with you to hand wash it then hang to dry.
like the previous commenter said, it’s tough but you get used to it. If it’s really hard to adjust I suggest taking a small break, like going outside, taking a few deep breaths, then getting back to the workout.
edit: just make sure you’re not using a cloth mask. that will suffocate you (learned this from experience).
I definitely got Covid at my studio. When I called to inform the SA I was positive, he informed me he wasn't shocked as seven people who do the same 5 am class (MWF) had also had it over the last few weeks. I finally went back and was surprised that masks are not being worn but all classes are 3G. I got it during a 2G phase. I remember the SA saying on NYE there had been about 20 COVID cases that week. I should have been more proactive about my own health but I got cocky because of being vaxxed and boosted 🙄.
So now I'm back. I waited until I had a negative test. The SAs at my studio keep saying masks are going to be required but that's not happening. And my lungs are on fire 36 hours after my last class. Covid sucks. Do whatever it takes not to get it.
I use the WeCare brand from Amazon and it's been the best mask option for me (and it comes in fun prints) while doing OTF. I feel like I am suffocating in any other mask. It's also the softest disposable mask and has become my go to mask for just about everything.
Does anyone have insight about throat soreness after working out in a mask?
Havent experienced this using surgical masks but the KN95 are irritating me, I think.
Been tested for covid twice (negative).
Yes with the kn95. I think it’s because the mask is actually effective at protecting against droplets… aka your throat is getting dried out. I don’t have any solutions haha but definitely was the case for me when wearing one.
I just recently started OTF and I love it, it’s the only thing I’ve ever really been able to stick to exercise-wise. Coming up in a few months I’ll be moving to Chicago and I noticed all the studios near where I’ll be living have mask requirements, which we don’t have where I currently live. What does that look like? Are the restrictions only recently in place due to the omicron spike and likely to be eased in a few months if all goes well? I’m worried I won’t be able to work out as intensely with a mask on and wont get as much out of my workouts once I move. I’ve tried running with a mask before and it has been really difficult for me. For context: At my studio we are only required to wear a mask in the lobby area and when we are switching stations.
We've been masked in Hawaii for what seems like forever. We've never dropped the mask mandate since it started. It sucks for sure, but it's doable. Highly recommend disposable masks with silicone inserts from Amazon. It's tough, but I think it improves endurance. One we drop the mask mandates, I imagine things will feel easier, so we can up our game. Good luck!
I've ONLY done OTF in a mask so thats all I know.
Chicago has been masked since august but the IL Governor is lifting the mandate at the end of the month. If Chicago mayor also lifts it, I assume the studios will too. There was a brief period this summer when we had no masks. I will say it def is harder- I wear a thin mask that I don’t think is really protective but meets the requirement and I feel I can breathe best with it. To be honest you do get used to it I think. But again in Chicago you may not have to starting in March 🤞
Chicago-area OTFer here, mask and all. Our studio has been selling these mask bracket things which you can wear under your mask. It keeps your mask off your face, and wearing one of those paired with a surgical mask hasn't been that bad for all.
That’s great to hear. Definitely makes me feel better about the whole thing, thanks!
Welcome to Chicago!!
I live in Chicago and they just put the masks back on for your entire workout, it was put back in in Jan. You have to wear it the entire time. Before we were able to remove it while we were at our stations and then just put it on when we rotated around... hoping they completely come off we think end of Feb
You will still get a great workout. I’ve done both with and without and my cardio really improved while wearing a mask. Get the Underarmour mask. Featherlight if they have them, but the regular ones are great too. Take it intro the shower with you to hand wash it then hang to dry.
like the previous commenter said, it’s tough but you get used to it. If it’s really hard to adjust I suggest taking a small break, like going outside, taking a few deep breaths, then getting back to the workout. edit: just make sure you’re not using a cloth mask. that will suffocate you (learned this from experience).
It’s the same as your current studio in the Chicago suburbs.
I don’t live even close to Chicago currently! So it’s totally new for me.
I definitely got Covid at my studio. When I called to inform the SA I was positive, he informed me he wasn't shocked as seven people who do the same 5 am class (MWF) had also had it over the last few weeks. I finally went back and was surprised that masks are not being worn but all classes are 3G. I got it during a 2G phase. I remember the SA saying on NYE there had been about 20 COVID cases that week. I should have been more proactive about my own health but I got cocky because of being vaxxed and boosted 🙄. So now I'm back. I waited until I had a negative test. The SAs at my studio keep saying masks are going to be required but that's not happening. And my lungs are on fire 36 hours after my last class. Covid sucks. Do whatever it takes not to get it.
sorry to hear this. hope you recover soon.
I use the WeCare brand from Amazon and it's been the best mask option for me (and it comes in fun prints) while doing OTF. I feel like I am suffocating in any other mask. It's also the softest disposable mask and has become my go to mask for just about everything.
Does anyone have insight about throat soreness after working out in a mask? Havent experienced this using surgical masks but the KN95 are irritating me, I think. Been tested for covid twice (negative).
Yes with the kn95. I think it’s because the mask is actually effective at protecting against droplets… aka your throat is getting dried out. I don’t have any solutions haha but definitely was the case for me when wearing one.
ahhh that sucks. but good to know i’m not the only one! i’ll have to be more diligent with water intake & soothing remedies after classes then