12 best breathable masks to wear during a workout

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Wearing a non-medical face mask does not replace hygiene standards or guarantee protection from COVID-19. You should still avoid touching your face, wash your hands frequently using warm water and soap and practise social distancing.

With gyms and fitness facilities across the country opening their doors for in-person sweat sessions, it's time to swap out your basic mask for one that's sports-specific, especially as the Delta variant rages on and outdoor classes will soon be coming to an end.

While mask requirements differ by province, Health Canada recommends wearing a non-medical face mask in shared spaces, even as the country's vaccination rates continue to climb.

For those heading to group fitness classes or training sessions, a run-of-the-mill non-medical cloth mask versus one designed for physical activity can be a determining factor in your workout.

Whether you're running, cycling, lifting weights, or finding your competitive edge in a group fitness class, look for face masks that are designed to get sweaty.

Sports-specific masks should be breathable, sweat-wicking, lightweight and most importantly, comfortable. Your mask shouldn't hinder your breathing during a workout, nor should it move while you're in motion.

Before your next workout, pick up a mask that's designed for the task and feel the difference yourself. For 12 top-rated, sports-friendly face masks, check out our picks below.

Lululemon Ear Loop Face Mask

Designed for life on the move, Lululemon shoppers say these sports-friendly face masks are "super soft and breathable" and "stay put" during intense workouts.

$42 at Lululemon

UA SportsMask Featherweight

Designed to withstand intense training sessions and the heat, this high-performance non-medical face mask is made of breathable and water-resistant fabric and features built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.

$35 at Under Armour

Athleta Activate Face Mask 2-Pack

Designed for active lifestyles, Athleta's Activate non-medical face masks are made from performance-driven, comfortable fabric and are available in four colour combinations.

$15 at Athleta

Halo Life Mesh Sports Mask

With more than 2,100 reviews, shoppers say this sports-specific non-medical mask is "the best mask out there." Designed with moisture-wicking Bamboo lining, reviewers say it's "comfortable for exercising and the best part is there is no smelling your own breath!"

$30 at Halo Life

Blue Bear Sports Mask

This non-medical pro sports mask guarantees a comfortable and secure fit. Earning more than 2,600 reviews, Blue Bear shoppers say they "fit well and are lightweight."

$40 $45 at Blue Bear

Studio3DX Athletic Face Mask

With more than 1,000 positive reviews, Etsy shoppers praise this top-rated non-medical face mask for its sports-friendly design. "My son is able to play basketball games in this comfortably," writes one shopper. "I bought two to try and ended up ordering four more."

$12 at Etsy

Adidas Originals Face Mask

With more than 23,000 reviews, Sport Chek shoppers call this black Adidas face mask "very comfortable" and say it's "one of the few masks that sit right and doesn't fog up my glasses."

$14 at Sport Chek

Unisex ASICS Face Cover

Get the most out of your workout with this ASICS face mask. Constructed from quick-drying fabric, the non-medical face mask is great for intense sweat sessions.

$15 at ASICS

Onzie Women's Assorted Face Masks

Perfect for working out, these Onzie face masks are reusable, washable and moisture-wicking. They're "super cute and comfy," according to Sport Chek shoppers.

$16 at Sport Chek

Koral Shiny Netz Face Mask

Stay safe during your workout with this on-sale Koral face mask. The non-medical mask is designed using antimicrobial performance fabrics and offers fast-drying technology, breathable UV Protection and a soft lycra stretch.

$14 $27 at Shiny Netz Face Mask

Sports Protection Mask for Children

Designed with little ones in mind, this non-medical sports mask features a velcro closure on the back of the neck and comfortable ear strap for all-day wear. "My son wears them during gymnastics," writes one user. "The fit is comfortable and he loves them!"

$21 at Etsy

Uniqlo AIRism Face Mask

This top-rated Uniqlo non-medical mask features a high-performance filter to keep you dry and is designed to help you breathe easier. "This mask is comfortable and secure," writes one Uniqlo shopper. "The mask abides by mask recommendations of three layers while remaining breathable!"

$15 at Uniqlo

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