PETALING JAYA, April 26 — Exercising indoors is not considered safe from the unbearable heatwave and haze as contaminated particles can pollute the air.

“Gym managements should install air-purifies to eradicate particles from the air so that the surroundings in the gym would be cleaner,” said Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Ashok Philip.

However, he said it would be preferable to exercise indoors as there was less exposure to the sun and air pollution.

“It is safer to walk in malls in comparison to exercising outdoors as there are less polluted particles indoors. You will still sweat if you brisk-walk in the mall despite the air-conditioning as you will work your muscles,” he said.

Dr Ashok also said those who still preferred to exercise outdoors must constantly keep themselves hydrated and protected from the sun.

“They should wear long-sleeve fitness attire and drink a mouth-full of water every time they feel thirsty." 

He said exercise done in the evening would be better as the body would not feel overheated from the hot weather.

“People should also take caution of the haze before exercising outdoors as the lack of oxygen can cause one to faint,” he said.

Kristen Alyssa, 23, said the sudden heatwave had caused her to re-evaluate her exercise regime.

“I make it a habit to go for my jog as early as 7am since the heat in the morning is bearable,” she said, adding that on days she is unable to run in the morning, she opts to exercise at home.

“Because of the haze, I sacrifice my evening run to either skip, kickbox or do yoga,” she said.

Student Basil Nathan, 21, said he exercised in the evening or at night if he could not make it to the gym.

“Due to the haze, I try not to work out in the morning or afternoon as the weather is able to cause someone to fall sick,” he said.

Basil said he had resorted to applying for a gym membership as the blazing heat was intolerable for outdoor activities.

“I have been visiting the gym more these days and I am able to exercise effectively,” he said.

Financial planner Mariah Lee Mae Shee, 36, said she does indoor exercises due to her low tolerance to the weather.

“I try to take the stairs or use the long way to get to my destination. This way, I am still able to burn calories and stay healthy,” she said.

Lee said she had even started going for regular dance classes as another form of exercise since gym memberships were expensive.

“Since a gym membership is out of my budget,  I choose to go for Zumba classes,” she said.