7 Practical Tips for Working Out with Glasses

Working out with glasses is necessary for many of us, but it’s not always the easiest thing to do. After all, one heavy jump or a slight accident can be all that’s needed to break your glasses.
 
It’s not a lost cause, however. Here are some practical tips to make your next glasses-wearing workout session a better one.

1. Choose the right eyewear for the type of exercise you’ll be doing

 
Wearing your typical glasses to a workout can be tricky. The pair you have for reading at home, might not cut it for outdoor activities.
 
So, ask yourself these questions:
 

• What type of sport are you going to do?

 

• How often do you take part in this sport?

 

• What type of environment is the sport going to be in? For example, are you going to swim underwater or jog under the sun for a long time?

 
Based on your answers, you can narrow down the types of glasses that are right for you. Consult a trusted eye care provider to get a list of recommendations.
 

2. Use a strap or band to keep glasses in place

 
In any high-impact sports, you’ll probably see some of the players wearing a strap or band for their glasses so that they’re extra secure on the faces. This little hack can work for you too.
 
A strap or band can keep your glasses in place, especially when you’re jumping or running around. It’s also a great addition if you sweat a lot, so the specs won’t slip off your face.
 
Some sports bands are elastic and designed like fitted rubber to be extra snug around your head. There are also other types of straps that are looser, so you can hang your glasses around your neck after a workout.
 
Even if you’re not into sports, these straps are especially handy to keep you from losing your frames so easily.
 
Your eye care provider should be able to provide you with a variety of designs, so you can get one that fits your needs as well as your style.
 

3. Invest in anti-slip nose pads or ear hooks

 
Aside from straps or bands to keep them in place, you need to make sure that your glasses won’t slip down your nose. For that, you can invest in anti-slip nose pads and ear hooks.
 
Anti-slip nose pads can fit the contour of your nose perfectly, so your glasses will always stay on and in place. You can even opt to put a bit of wax on nose pads, for that extra grip.
 
On top of that, you can try attaching ear hooks to the arms of your glasses. These little retainers are usually made out of silicone, so they’re soft, lightweight, and strong against any harsh elements.
 

4. Use a sweatband to absorb sweat

 
While working out, it’s normal to sweat buckets as your brain gets into an adrenaline high. It’s normal for your body, but may not be such great news for your glasses.
 
The more you sweat, the more likely your spectacles will slip off and topple onto the floor. To keep that from happening, get yourself a sweatband.
 
Apart from being a cute accessory, a sweatband is practical as it keeps sweat away from your eyes and face.
 
As a bonus, it beats having to wipe sweat from your face with a towel once every few minutes.
 

5. Clean your glasses regularly

 
Wearing glasses while working out can be unhygienic. When you sweat it out, the perspiration gets mixed in with bacteria on your skin, which could get trapped in your glasses.
 
It doesn’t have to be this gross though, if you just remember to clean your glasses every day. Keep your microfiber cleaning cloth close, especially for those moments when everything’s steamy and your lenses are all fogged up.
 
At the same time, don’t use your shirt or a towel to wipe your glasses. Doing so can scratch the lenses permanently and make the smudges worse.
 
After using them, put your cleaning cloth and glasses back in a clean case or pouch. Make sure to wash the cleaning cloth regularly as well. The goal here is to lessen the bacteria as much as possible and prevent them from going near your eyes.
 

6. Use an anti-fogging solution or spray

 
Sometimes, wiping your glasses with a tiny piece of cleaning cloth might not be enough. If you’re someone who wears glasses with a mask, you might end up with too much fog clinging to your lenses.
 
In scenarios like this, you’ll need an anti-fogging solution or spray. These are little spray bottles you can buy online, or from your local eye care provider. You can use them for your eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles, and more.
 
Anti-fog sprays work by preventing water molecules from creating tiny droplets on your glasses. Once you spray them on, your lenses will stay fog-free for a few hours, and sometimes even up to a few days. It’s that effective.
 

7. Use lenses suitable for working out

 
Before you work out with your glasses, you’d want to check if your lenses are up to the task. Here are some types of lenses that won’t crack under the pressure of an active lifestyle.
 

Polycarbonate

 
Known to be impact-resistant, polycarbonate lenses are the best choice if you play sports frequently. They’re thin, durable, and incredibly lightweight. Plus, polycarbonate lenses also have some UV protection.
 

Tribrid

 
If you have a strong prescription, Tribrid lenses might be worth considering. Besides being impact-resistant, they’re slimmer and more lightweight, making them both comfortable and sturdy.
 

Trivex

 
For something newer and lighter, try Trivex lenses. These were originally created for the military, but have since been repurposed for everyday use. Similar to polycarbonate, they’re lightweight, durable, and provide high optical clarity.
 
Don’t forget to check if your glasses have lens coatings as well. For instance, an anti-reflective coating can keep distracting light reflections out of your line of sight, which is a necessity when playing sports.
 

Level up your workout with the right pair of glasses

Exercising with glasses doesn’t have to be a hassle. After all, many athletes have set and broken records with their glasses on, so there’s no reason why you can’t work out comfortably with yours.
 
So, give the tips we laid out above a shot. We hope they’ll help you make your next workout session an extra safe and comfortable one.