NEWSGUIDE – 10/25/2011
36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies*. Total Gym delivers an effective total body workout from the convenience of your home. Total Gym delivers a total body workout—offering the benefits of cardio, strength training and stretch—all on one machine without leaving the allergy-controlled environment of your own home.
To some, the crisp autumn air and changing leaves may be a welcome invitation to get outside and exercise, whether it is hiking, biking or just strolling through the neighborhood. However, for the 36 million seasonal allergy sufferers*, fall exercise is no walk in the park! Symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches and congestion can keep fitness enthusiasts from enjoying their favorite activities.
The Total Gym offers the allergy-free exercise solution.
Total Gym delivers a total body workout—offering the benefits of cardio, strength training and stretch—all on one machine without leaving the allergy-controlled environment of your own home. Just 10-20 minutes a day will give you a full-body workout with functional exercises safe for ages 8 to 80. Seasonal allergies are also said to affect as many as 40 percent of U.S. children*. With Total Gym, your child can get their daily exercise with safe, non-compressive bodyweight training that protects their growing joints.
Total Gym Inside Blog medical contributor, Dr. Elizabeth Salada, board certified in Internal Medicine, discusses the common causes of seasonal allergies and how exercise can help keep symptoms at bay.
- The most common causes of seasonal allergies are plants, grasses and mold spores, which become airborne and are then inhaled into our nasal passages, where the allergic reaction starts. Depending on where you live, you may have symptoms all year long, such as in warmer climates. In colder climates, there is some down time when the plants are not pollinating so the potential for allergies becomes much less.
- Exercise can be a very effective treatment for seasonal allergies. Elevating the heart rate increases mucus flow and spikes your adrenaline levels. This tends to narrow the nasal passages and decrease secretions to prevent inhaling allergens that can cause allergic reactions.
- Seasonal allergies can be managed relatively well with over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays, as needed. Choose a medication that lasts 24 hours and try to take it at bedtime as opposed to the morning to avoid any sedating side effects.
- As long as you are feeling well and have no trouble breathing, then working out should not be a problem. If you are prone to allergies year round, you may want to consider seeing an allergist to be tested for triggers and then treated more specifically.
- People with seasonal allergies should not be working out if their allergy issues cause any respiratory troubles such as coughing or shortness of breath. If those symptoms occur, its best to check with your doctor as there may be other medications that are needed to control your symptoms.
Visit the Total Gym Exercise Library to find exercises for every muscle group. Stay fit for fall and ward off holiday weight gain with Total Gym!
*Data from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
