In most cases, getting a workout at the park or any wide open area is a great idea. As a personal trainer, I have clients who prefer to run in the streets or go to the park to do yoga. They get to breathe some fresh air, and they see more interesting sights than the same old wall at the gym.

But with the haze enveloping the entire country right now, people are no longer interested in working out outdoors. Trees are burning in the Sumatran forests in Indonesia, and it’s affecting the quality of the air here in Singapore.  Even though I still see some people working out outdoors, I make it a point to tell all my clients not to do this until the haze is gone.

Dangers of the Haze

Sadly we see this dangerous haze in Singapore every year. People breathe in the pollutants, which include dirt and carbon monoxide that negatively affect our health. And for those who are engaged in some strenuous activity (like exercise), they breathe more deeply and more frequently, so they inhale higher amounts of these dangerous particles. The ones who are most at risk are those with asthma, although young children and the elderly also become more susceptible to the dangers of the haze.

So what kind of effects can happen? The short term effects are the following:

• Breathing difficulties. This is the most common problem that happens when you inhale large amounts of pollutants. Your lungs won’t work as well as they should and you may experience some chest pain. Bronchitis (lung inflammation) is a possibility, and your respiratory immune defences may be weakened.
• Colds. Your nose may become runny or stuffy, and you may sneeze a lot. This won’t help you in your workout, since you’ll need lots of oxygen.
• Eye problems. The pollutants will also irritate your eyes and make then water. You may also get conjunctivitis, which is a kind of inflammation of the eye.
• Headaches. Your head may feel heavy, and you may become dizzy. That’s not god especially when you’re outdoors. Fatigue also sets in, so you don’t get as much of a workout as you may have hoped.
• Gastrointestinal issues. This becomes a problem when your drink becomes contaminated. You may end up with a stomach upset and diarrhoea.
• Anxiety. You may also get some symptoms that resemble depression, such as feelings of helplessness, a lack of interest in regular activities, irritability, and insomnia.

In general, these problems are moderate, and they usually go away once you finally smarten up and take your workout indoors. But it’s a different situation if you’re not healthy, as the haze and the pollutants will make your condition worse. This is especially true when you have been diagnosed with a heart disease or respiratory ailment. The effects of the haze will become more severe for you.

Long Term Effects

The particles in the haze are so tiny that they can penetrate the lungs and enter the blood stream. Some studies indicate that this may have long term repercussions.

• The American Heart Association issued a statement saying that long term exposure to these particles makes you more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. It also cuts your life expectancy by several months or even by a few years.
• One study showed that inhaling these toxic particles can lead to vascular disease.
• Other potential problems in the long run include liver dysfunction and metabolic disease, diabetes, impaired pulmonary function, and sinusitis.

So if you’re ever in an area that’s covered by the haze minimise your activities when you’re outside. You may wan to consider wearing a mask when you’re outdoors. If you need to work out, do it indoors instead.