Exercising with hay fever

Hay fever shouldn't end your training. A few tweaks let you stay active through pollen season.

Time it right

Pollen is often lower early morning and late evening, and after rain. Train then rather than midday to early evening when grass pollen peaks. Check the pollen map first.

Choose where

Avoid freshly mown grass and parks at peak times; consider indoor training on Very High days. Coastal and higher-altitude spots often have lower pollen.

Reduce exposure

Wear wraparound sunglasses, take antihistamines proactively, and shower and change immediately after. If exercise triggers wheeze, check with a GP — it may be related to asthma.

For your bedroom: see our guide to the hay fever air purifier guide — model picks, room-size guidance and where to place a unit for the biggest overnight reduction.