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Smart Exercise

Maine forecasts are issued using an Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI color codes identify pollution levels and include specific health messages for each category. If you are concerned about your health a good motto is to “Keep an eye on the AQI.”

Although Maine 's bad air days are infrequent, there are still some days when air quality can be a problem for sensitive people. During these days you'll hear warnings to avoid strenuous or prolonged activity outdoors. This does NOT mean that you shouldn't exercise at all, but rather exercise smart.

Smart exercise includes changing the time of day, location and/or the level of your activity, so you won't be exposed to high levels of pollution.

Change the time of the day:

  • Ozone is a photochemical pollutant, which means it needs strong sunlight to form from other pollutants in the air. Ozone can be a problem during the summer months in Maine and peaks during the afternoon and early evening hours. So you could reduce your exposure to high ozone by exercising in the morning.
  • Particle pollution, however, can be high at any time of the day; although it is usually higher in the morning. So avoid exercising during high particle pollution levels by postponing exercise until the afternoon. Particle pollution tends to be higher in the summer and winter, but lower in the spring and fall.

Change your location :

You can protect your health even more by finding a healthier route for your walk or jog - one which avoids busy roads.

Change your activity level:

In addition to changing the time or location of your workout, you could also change the level or duration of activity by walking instead of jogging or reducing the distance of your run on days when air quality is poor.

Remember, to protect your health exercise smart!