Don’t Let Bad Air Quality Be Your Excuse: Indoor Fitness & Air Purification Tips

Maintaining optimal indoor air quality is essential for both homes and businesses. High-quality air filters in your HVAC system and the use of plug-in air purifiers can significantly enhance the air you breathe, promoting better health and well-being.​

For those of you outside the Greenville, South Carolina area, you may not be aware that two major fires were burning out of control and finally by Saturday afternoon some containment. As of Thursday, when I originally wrote this, there was zero containment on either fire. Then I was stalking South Carolina Forestry Commission on facebook and had to update this post. I swear if I had to do my career over again I just might have picked Forestry Management. Side note. North Carolina is having wildfires as well.

• Table Rock Fire – 4,556 acres burned by Thursday morning – By Friday morning 8,679 acres and by Saturday 3 p.m. 10,904 acres with now 24% containment.

• Persimmon Ridge Fire – 1,553 acres burned by Thurs. morning – By Friday morning 1,992 acres and by Saturday by 3 p.m. 2,078 with 24% containment.

Both fires were human-caused, and the high winds, low humidity, and downed trees from Hurricane Helene (just six months ago) are fueling their intensity. There’s a chance of rain on Sunday and Monday, which we hope will help, but for now, conditions remain severe. Tuesday I was at my kid’s Tennis game and ashes fell on me and the sky was ominous with smoke. All outdoor activities have been cancelled since Wednesday. From both my home and my business I see the smoke from the mountains in the distance and you could smell smoke very strong.

🔥 For those local to the area, stay aware of air quality changes and be mindful of your outdoor activity. If smoke is heavy, opt for indoor workouts and keep an eye on air quality reports.

Understanding Air Filters for HVAC Systems

Air filters are integral to HVAC systems, trapping dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne particles. The efficiency of these filters is measured by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which ranges from 1 to 16.​

• MERV 1-4: Basic filtration; captures larger particles.​

• MERV 5-8: Better residential filtration; traps smaller particles like mold spores.​

• MERV 9-12: Superior residential or commercial use; captures finer particles, including lead dust.​Bob Vila

• MERV 13-16: Hospital-grade; captures bacteria and smoke.​

For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 12 is recommended. Higher MERV ratings offer better filtration but may require compatible HVAC systems to handle increased airflow resistance.​

Top-Rated HVAC Air Filters

Here are some highly regarded air filters:

• Filterbuy with Merv 13 Optimal Defense is one we use for Energy Fitness.

• BNX Merv 11 is what we use for home

Plug-In Air Purifiers

In addition to HVAC filters, plug-in air purifiers can further enhance indoor air quality, especially in areas where the HVAC system may not reach effectively.​ Most have sensors of when to change like a flashing light but I check before then too just in case sensor is off.

• We use this at home and love: Germ Guardian Air Purifier & Replacement Filters Germ Guardian Filter Hepa Genuine Air Purifier Filter, Removes, 99.97% of Pollutants, Wildfire Smoke, Odors)

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• Coway Airmega Series: Known for models with activated carbon filters, effective in neutralizing odors and improving air quality. ​Architectural Digest

Purchasing and Maintenance

Air filters and purifiers are available at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as online retailers such as Amazon. Prices vary based on brand, size, and MERV rating, typically ranging from $15 to $50 per filter.​

It’s advisable to change HVAC filters every 90 days. However, during periods of increased air pollution, such as wildfire smoke, more frequent changes may be necessary to maintain optimal air quality.​

Monitoring Air Quality

To stay informed about local air quality, resources like AccuWeather provide real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) updates. Additionally, the IQAir website offers detailed information on air pollution levels in Charlotte, NC. ​AccuWeather+1AQI Air Quality Index+1IQAir | First in Air Quality

Indoor Exercise During Poor Air Quality

Maintaining a fitness routine is crucial, even when outdoor air quality is poor. Indoor exercises can be effective and require minimal equipment.​

We’ve created some free resources for you on our website like reports, free workouts, questionnaires. Check it out here: Free Stuff from Energy Fitness – knowledge is power and motivation

Cardio Workouts:

• Jumping Jacks: A full-body workout that increases heart rate.​

• Stairs: If you have good knees stairs are a great workout. Even just a single step you can go up and down on changing lead legs.

• High Knees & Buttkicks: Engages core muscles and boosts cardiovascular endurance.​

• Burpees: Combines strength and cardio for a comprehensive workout.​

Strength Training:

• Bodyweight Squats: Strengthens legs and glutes.​

• Push-Ups: Targets chest, shoulders, and triceps.​

• Band Workouts: Bands can vary in intensity depending on which variety you have.

• Planks: Enhances core stability.​

• Step Ups on a stair or short ottoman
• Mountain Climbers with sliders,furniture movers or socks on hard wood or tile floors
• TRX  if you have one (these are great for all kinds of exercises upper, lower body, core and flexibility)

By prioritizing indoor air quality and adapting your exercise routine, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of external environmental conditions.​