Outdoor Exercise and Allergies

Personal trainer Anthony Wilkins works hard to stay in shape. But in Atlanta where the allergy season runs long, outdoor training can be a challenge if you suffer from hay fever…

The watery eyes, the congestion, runny nose and then from there it gets totally unbearable to the point where I just have to get away from it very fast.

What he has to get away from is grass. Anthony knows without a doubt what he's allergic to because he's had a skin test that confirmed it.

The reason to find out for sure if there is an allergy is it helps you understand things. It helps you avoid exposure in the first place, which may prevent you from needing to take medication.

To avoid a possible slowdown of a rigorous workout regimen, Anthony's brought his game to the gym… And advises his clients who are also affected by seasonal allergies to do the same when their triggers are most intense…

Move as much as you can indoors. Whether it's an elliptical, whether it's a treadmill…

Runners, cyclists and other outdoor athletes bothered by pollen, grass or rag weed should keep a careful eye on daily air quality and steer clear of places known to heighten their symptoms. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamines before your routine may be enough to prevent mild symptoms, such as itchy, sneezing and runny nose.

Next you guys got lunges in the middle.

If that doesn't cut through the haze, you can keep your game on by employing a comparable indoor routine when being outdoors is out of the question… But those with seasonal allergies are advised to get evaluated and treated, if necessary, by a qualified allergist before embarking on any exercise plan… Staying indoors may not be enough to stop the sniff, drip and itch… And a prescription antihistamine, decongestant, nasal steroid or other medication may be indicated to help you cope with your symptoms…

If they know they have hay fever and they know they wheeze occasionally, even if it is just at the pollen season, get help. Get it looked at. Just don't plow through it.

Knowing what to avoid or how to treat symptoms that you can't avoid can help keep you in the game… and staying in shape can go a long way to keeping you strong and healthy…

I personally feel that that's helped keep my immune system boosted so all the allergies I tested positive for, don't come back to be actually hindrances...

For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg