Outdoor Workouts Dangerous When AQI Crosses 200: Pulmonologists

• Pulmonologists advise against outdoor workouts when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 200.
• High-intensity exercise increases breathing rate by 3-5 times, allowing more pollutants to bypass nasal filtration and penetrate deeper into the lungs.
• Vulnerable groups include individuals with respiratory/cardiac issues, children, older adults, and pregnant women, but even healthy individuals are at risk.
• Outdoor workouts in high AQI can lead to oxidative stress, bronchospasm, and airway inflammation.
• Recommended alternatives include indoor strength training, yoga, low-intensity workouts, or exercising in rooms with air purifiers.

Why It Matters: High AQI outdoor exercise can severely damage your respiratory health.