
Thanks to a series of fires up here in Northern California, many regular outdoor exercisers are being forced to take their workouts inside due to excess smoke in the air. It's especially important for those of us with asthma or upper-respiratory maladies, but everyone should use a little bit more caution when the air quality is not up to par this Summer. Use these
tips for exercising to prevent damage to your health:
- Do not run on or near roads where there is heavy truck or bus traffic.
- Work out in the early morning or later in the evening when the ozone levels are at their lowest.
- Exercise indoors if possible.
- If you experience any difficulty breathing, stop your exercise immediately and see your doctor.
Source

It's been super hot in my neck of the woods lately, which has led me to take my workouts indoors. Not only do I not want to risk heat stroke, but I'm also concerned about all the exhaust and smoke on the streets.
New
research says that even when it has been reduced by clean-air technology, air pollution can damage an outdoor exerciser's health, especially someone who has asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other cardiopulmonary maladies.

I've been talking a lot about allergies because they seem to be hitting everyone especially bad right now and nothing can kill a good workout like a sneezing fit. Trust me, I proved this theory true on Saturday. Allergies do not need to keep you from working out all together, you just may need to tweak your plan to work around your allergies.

Running outside is wonderful, but the one drawback is water. I have yet to find a water fountain when I am out trail running. Now, you could wear the
Terminator FuelBelt like Fergie Ferg, or you could opt to use the
FlashFlo ($40) by CamelBak.

I am so amped up for Spring and outdoor exercise. So here is a cardio workout you can do at your local track. Most middle schools and high schools open their tracks to the public when school is not in session.