Breathe better, perform better (without the stale, nasty air)

Let’s face it: When it comes to working out, we spend way too much time obsessing over fancy gear, shiny apps, and the hottest new workout trends and not nearly enough time thinking about what the hell we’re breathing. Yes, you read that right. The air going into your lungs is basically the fuel for your athletic engine, and if it’s loaded with pollutants, guess what? Your performance is going to dip. Shocker, right?

Outdoor adventures, and air full of surprises

Ah, the great outdoors! Where you’re free as a bird, striding along your favorite trail, pretending to be the next Mo Farah or Simone Biles, until a diesel truck rolls by and bathes you in a glorious cloud of exhaust. Or maybe that scenic route is next to a busy road that spews pollution all day long. Congratulations! You just got a bonus serving of particulate matter along with your runner’s high. (Don’t even get me started on pollen season with itchy eyes, runny nose, and wheezing like a busted vacuum cleaner.)

But hey, at least outdoors you can still seek better conditions. Jog at dawn when traffic is low, choose a quieter park, or just straight-up go where the air doesn’t smell like gym socks dipped in gasoline. Your lungs will thank you.

Indoor training: when breathing becomes a dirty joke

Once winter hits and you head inside for your workouts, the real fun begins. You might think, “indoor training is controlled, so it must be cleaner and better!”

Indoor spaces; your basement “gym,” that swanky fitness studio, or your sad stationary bike in the corner... can be a jungle of stagnant air. CO₂ piles up like dirty laundry. Tiny airborne nasties swirl around because nobody bothered to open a window. The result? You’re gasping for oxygen like it’s 3 AM in a sweaty nightclub.

High CO₂ = Brain fog: Elevated CO₂ can turn you into a clueless zombie mid-workout. Imagine trying to keep your form tight when your brain’s on a slow-loading internet connection. Not exactly peak performance, is it?

Humidity hell: Too muggy? You’ll be drenched in sweat. Too dry? Your throat will feel like you’ve swallowed sandpaper. Balance is key, but most indoor setups are about as balanced as a bad unicyclist.

PM2.5 & VOCs!? Fancy acronyms aside, these tiny airborne particles can invade your lungs, irritate your airways, and mess with your performance. From off-gassing gym mats to cheap, chemical-laden cleaning products, your beloved indoor workout zone might be hurting your performance you over without you even knowing it.

The nerdy science bits you never knew you needed

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Studies show that as CO₂ creeps up, your cognitive function takes a nosedive. Less brainpower = poorer workouts. Who knew breathing clean air could mean smarter sets and reps?
• Temperature and humidity: Overly hot and humid? Welcome to the sweat show where your stamina goes AWOL. Too dry? Get ready for cough city. Finding that sweet spot keeps your body functioning like a well-oiled machine instead of a rusty bicycle.
• Particulate matter (PM2.5): These sneaky particles nestle deep in your lungs, messing with your oxygen intake. You’re supposed to be building endurance, not a collection of respiratory issues.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Ever walked into a room and thought, “What’s that funky smell?” VOCs! They can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and screw with your workout mojo. Awesome.

Take control of your air: Airthings to the rescue

So, what’s the game plan? Curl up in the fetal position and weep? No! You take charge. With Airthings, you get real-time insights into your indoor air. Think of it as your personal “Air Spy” that snitches on CO₂, PM, humidity, and VOCs. Now you can fix your environment; open a window, turn on an air purifier, stop using that gross gym cleaner... so you actually breathe better and smash your workouts.

In a nutshell: Air quality ain’t a joke

Your fitness journey doesn’t begin and end with squats, sprints, or cycling intervals. It includes the air that fuels every muscle fiber and fires every neuron. Embrace the idea that better air = better workouts. With Airthings, you’re taking charge of your indoor environment, telling bad indoor air to hit the road, and empowering yourself to perform like the champion you know you are.

So, let’s make 2025 the year bid farewell to bad indoor air quality, and start dominating our workouts with one clean, fresh breath at a time.

Ps - Don’t forget to join the Airthings Strava Club to share your progress, get updates, and find community support.