How to Find the Best Face Mask for Working Out

Wearing a face mask for everyday activities takes some adjusting, even if it's just to make a quick grocery run. So if your breathing starts to get heavier during a set of jump squats, there's a good chance you'll feel the urge to rip it right off.

Unfortunately, gyms are notorious for germ spread and tend to fill up with people, so they're one of the environments where widespread mask-wearing can really pay off. If your gym has reopened and you want to feel as comfortable as possible while working out in a face mask, here's everything you should know. (

Is It Safe to Wear a Face Mask While Working Out?

At this point, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends wearing non-medical face masks "in public settings and when around people who don't live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain." So if you're going for an outdoor run where you won't be near other people, you don't necessarily need to keep a mask on. Visiting a gym or studio or working out close to others is more likely to make that physical distancing unlikely.

That said, the World Health Organization recommends that people shouldn't wear face masks when exercising, "as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably," according to the organization. Plus, sweating in a face mask can not only make it even harder to breathe, but it might also promote the growth of harmful bacteria, according to the WHO's stance on the subject.

Thus far, there hasn't been much research on the effects of wearing cloth masks while exercising. Some experts believe their effect on oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange might present problems during workouts. "Exercise, especially strenuous exercise, while wearing a face mask can have physiological consequences," says Nina Bausek, M.Sc., Ph.D., geneticist and chief scientist for PN Medical, a company that conducts research on and makes cardiopulmonary devices. "Changes in the breathing pattern can cause imbalances in the O₂/CO₂ gas exchange, leading to either too low levels of carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) or higher than normal levels of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) [in the blood]." That can affect oxygen consumption and delivery to muscles and the brain, she says. "Due to these physiological events, wearing a face mask during exercise may cause fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness," she says. (Note: This is a wholly different situation from wearing an altitude training mask.)

If you're going to wear a mask while exercising, Dr. Bausek suggests taking five quality breaths before putting it on, right after putting it on, then after taking it off, to promote a good breathing pattern during your workout. (And maybe consider saving intense HIIT workouts for occasions when you don't need to wear a mask.)

However, the consensus among health experts is that cloth masks probably aren't tightly-woven enough to lead to an unhealthy CO2 buildup. "The CO2 will slowly build up in the mask over time," a representative for the CDC told Reuters in regards to cloth face mask wear in general. "However, the level of CO2 likely to build up in the mask is mostly tolerable to people exposed to it. You might get a headache but you most likely [would] not suffer the symptoms observed at much higher levels of CO2. The mask can become uncomfortable for a variety of reasons including sensitivity to CO2 and the person will be motivated to remove the mask. It is unlikely that wearing a mask will cause hypercapnia." Translation: Most people won't experience serious symptoms from wearing a cloth face mask. (

Gyms and studios reopening across the country have approached the face mask dilemma differently — some require patrons to wear face masks while others are face mask-optional. Some ask that patrons wear a mask when not engaging in high-intensity work. Fortunately, if you are required to wear a mask or just want to wear one out of consideration, there are plenty of options that are designed to be more comfortable for exercise.

How to Choose a Face Mask for Working Out

There's always a tradeoff involved when it comes to shopping for face masks for everyday use. The more tightly-woven a mask's fabric is, the more effective it will be, but the harder it will be to breathe in. (That's because smaller holes between fibers make it harder for air and particles to pass through.) Cotton face masks have become a popular choice for everyday use since the material strikes a balance between breathability and the ability to trap respiratory droplets.

When you're exercising, you might want to go even more breathable than you would otherwise. "Unfortunately, we do not have scientific evidence to support this, but it seems practical to choose fabric that is light, breathable, and moisture-wicking when choosing a face mask to work out in," says Christa van Rensburg, M.D., Ph.D., sport and exercise physician, rheumatologist, and head of sports medicine at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. "Currently the most versatile pick is a mask made with a lightweight blend of spandex — which gives a bit of stretch — and polyester that's sweat-wicking and breathable. Lighter cotton, polyesters, or performance fabrics are also acceptable and safe to use."

There's also a give and take when it comes to the fit. "To be effective, a mask needs a tight seal around the nose and mouth, but that will decrease effective airflow and breathing," says Dr. van Rensburg. "The best is to choose a mask that fits tightly, but still allows for comfortable breathing. It might take trial and error." For the same reason, masks that are designed with an interior structure that prevents them from collapsing on your nose and mouth may feel more comfortable, she says. (

When shopping for face masks, you may come across masks with small valves on the front. They allow for easier exhalation, but they still aren't ideal, says Dr. van Rensburg. "The problem is that they only filter inhaled breath and not exhaled breath. A vented mask will thus work for the wearer as it is more comfortable, but it, unfortunately, won't contain their droplets."

Workout-friendly face masks aren't hard to come by. Major activewear brands have started to come out with masks for working out, including those intended specifically for running or training. For example, Under Armour recently launched its Sportsmask (Buy It, $30, amazon.com, underarmour.com), which sold out in an hour. It's designed to address some of the major downsides of working out in face masks. "The Under Armour Sportsmask is structured to sit up and off your face, which makes breathing and talking easier. It doesn't move in and out as you breathe as cloth masks can," says Cara McDonough, vice president of accessories and licensing at Under Armour. "Also, moisture-wicking fabric moves sweat to an inner layer so that sweat doesn't build up on the mask in front of the nose and mouth, which might limit breathability." (

Designers at Reebok have also created three futuristic face masks designs. They're purely conceptual, but they might inform future face mask designs, with features such as a clear panel that reveals facial expressions and fitness app integrations. For now, the brand offers three-packs of breathable, recycled polyester face masks (Buy It, $23, amazon.com; $20, reebok.com).

There are already plenty of lightweight, breathable masks for working out to choose from, and activewear companies are no doubt continuing to focus on creating workout-friendly masks. Keep scrolling to see more of the options below.

The Best Face Masks for Working Out

Reebok Face Covers 3-Pack

If anyone knows how to make primo exercise gear — including some of the best masks for working out — it's the folks at Reebok. Each face covering in this pack of three is made of soft, lightweight fabric (which is 93 percent recycled polyester, BTW!) that can withstand the constant wash and wear that comes with reusable face masks — and especially masks you wear to work out. What's more, these bad boys boast stand-out breathability. Just take it from one five-star Amazon reviewer who wrote, "This is the only mask I have found that doesn't 'suck in' when I am breathing heavy from cardio. It doesn't get too heavy when it is sweaty and it doesn't irritate my skin. I am so happy I can stop searching for a mask That doesn't make me miserable!"

Buy It: Reebok Face Covers 3-Pack, $23, amazon.com; 20, reebok.com

Under Armour Sportsmask

Undeniably one of the best masks for working out (it originally sold out in one hour), the Under Armour Sportsmask is made with UA Iso-Chill fabric that feels cool to the touch even during the hottest of mid-summer runs and has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection to keep your skin safe from the elements. As mentioned above, it's also designed to be comfortably worn for hours, which has earned it approval from first responders and fitness instructors alike, according to thousands of five-star Amazon reviews. One pleased purchaser (who's also a dance instructor and gymnastics coach) even went as far as to say, "I would marry this mask." (

Buy It: Under Armour Sportsmask, $30, amazon.com, underarmour.com

BlackStrap Sustainable Antimicrobial Advanced Civil Face Mask

Available in a range of colors and patterns from black to daisies, this best mask for working out wins points for being comfortable and frills-free. Meaning, if you're looking for a breathable mask for working out that's easy to slip on and sweat in, this covering is perfect for you. Not only is it made entirely from repurposed fabrics (sustainability win!) but it also boasts moisture-wicking and antimicrobial technology to keep your face fresh throughout your workout.

Buy It: BlackStrap Sustainable Antimicrobial Advanced Civil Face Mask, $16, dicksportinggoods.com

Athleta Everyday Non-Medical Masks 5-Pack

Featuring adjustable ear loops and pleated fabric, Athleta's Everyday Masks are designed to fit a variety of face sizes comfortably, so you can save the sweat for the gym and buy a five-pack without having to worry about sizing. And while these colorful coverings have three layers of fabric for utmost protection, they're considered some of the best breathable masks on market, making them a great choice for cardio, yoga, and every exercise in between. One pleased purchaser (who wears these coverings all day in the classroom) said their "husband has even commandeered some of [their masks] for skiing!"

Buy It: Athleta Everyday Non-Medical Masks 5-Pack, $30, athleta.com

Onzie Mindful Masks

With stretchy, quick-drying fabric, Onzie's coverings are touted as some of the best masks for working out that you can buy. These breathable creations feature soft spandex straps that seamlessly slide behind your ears as well as a pocket for a filter (Buy It, $5 for 2, onzie.com). From pink leopard print to tropical tie-dye, these workout-friendly masks take your exercise ensemble to a whole new level of style.

Buy It: Onzie Mindful Masks, $24 $14, onzie.com

Uniqlo Airism Face Mask (Pack of 3)

Available in a range of sizes from small to XL, these best masks for working out feature a three-layer structure that includes moisture-wicking AIRism fabric, a built-in washable filter, and mesh fabric that blocks 90 percent of UV rays. And even with all those components, the face covering — which, as of recently, comes in navy, blue, and brown (as well as OG black)— is still considered one of the best breathable masks for exercise. "This mask was recommended to me by a fitness instructor because I was ready to go back to the gym but dreaded having to workout in a mask," writes one reviewer. "The fit is so comfortable that it literally feels like you have nothing on your face. It still gets a little warm to breathe once you really start to break a sweat but totally doable for an hour session of strength training!"

Buy It: Uniqlo Airism Face Mask (Pack of 3), $15, uniqlo.com

Maskc Premium Soft-Touch Disposable Adult Mask 10-Pack

When it comes to the best masks for working out that are disposable, look no further than these celeb-approved coverings. (Seriously, Sarah Hyland was just spotted wearing one while getting her vaccine!) Maskc's single-use masks have a 3-ply construction that provides A+ filtration and secures over your nose, mouth, and chin. Other stand-out features include a lightweight feel, super breathable design, and soft ear loops that, in reviewers' words, "don't pull at [their] ears!"

Buy It: Maskc Premium Soft-Touch Disposable Adult Mask 10-Pack, $18, amazon.com

The information in this story is accurate as of press time. As updates about coronavirus COVID-19 continue to evolve, it's possible that some information and recommendations in this story have changed since initial publication. We encourage you to check in regularly with resources such as the CDC, the WHO, and your local public health department for the most up-to-date data and recommendations.