(Esquire Philippines) There's been much debate about wearing face masks while working out. Several experts say the risk is extremely low in the outdoors but there's still a huge chance of someone coughing right when you're passing them. On another hand, a face mask makes it harder to breathe.
Scientists who spoke to the New York Times' Gretchen Reynolds pointed out that face coverings could elevate your heart rate during exercise. Also, they said that masks made out of the wrong material could be affected by sweat.
Even so, the scientists are not actively discouraging wearing masks during exercise. "I look on masks as an opportunity to be a good citizen and show that you care about the well-being of others,” said the American Council of Exercise's Cedric X. Bryant.
Under Armour's UA Sportmask hopes to address all the issues that come with masked exercise with a high-performance face cover that's made to be worn all day... and when playing sports.
Under Armour started building prototypes of the Sportsmask as soon as health officials stressed the importance of face masks. The result is a design that gives you the airflow and comfort you need. According to Under Armour, it's best for running and training.
"At Under Armour, we always want to be part of the solution, especially during this extremely challenging time," said CEO of Under Armour Patrik Frisk. "We specifically designed this mask for athletes and for all of us who want to exercise and train while also keeping ourselves, and those around us, safe."
Priced at $30 (approximately P1,500), the mask has been created with the utmost attention to detail. It has a water-resistant outer shell, anti-microbial treatment on the inside, and it lets air through a polyurethane open-cell foam.
The UA Sportsmask is available in four sizes and can easily be washed. As of posting, it's still not available in Under Armour Philippines' online store.
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