5 Tips for Working Out with Glasses
Working out with glasses can be tricky, especially when sweat causes your frames to slide down your face. The last thing you want is your glasses to slip off during the last mile of your run or when you’re about to hit a new personal record on your deadlift. Don’t let your glasses distract you while you’re working up a sweat!
Our eye care experts share our top five tips for working out with glasses, plus some of the best glasses for active lifestyles. Hit the gym looking stylish while focusing clearly on your workout goals! Let’s ensure your glasses are workout-ready so you can exercise easily.
Glasses vs. Contacts When Working Out
Break a sweat over your exercise routine—not worrying about your frames. While you could wear contacts at the gym, wearing contacts for the first time can take some adjustment—and some of us just prefer the look and feel of glasses.
Can you work out with contact lenses? Absolutely, but there are pros and cons to both options.
Working out with glasses can be convenient, providing clear vision without the need to touch your eyes. They also offer a protective barrier against dust and debris. However, they can fog up, slip due to sweat on glasses and may feel uncomfortable during intense activities.
On the other hand, contacts stay put and provide a wider field of vision. They eliminate the issue of fogging up and slipping around on your face but require careful handling and good hygiene practices.
Our Top 5 Tips for Working Out with Glasses
Choosing between glasses and contacts ultimately depends on personal preferences and comfort. Fortunately, exercising with glasses doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are our top five tips for working out with glasses.
1. Keep Your Glasses Secure
When sweat drips down your brow, your glasses tend to slide down your nose. If you’re working out with glasses without proper precautions, they could even slide right off your face! Happily, you can take measures to keep your glasses secure during your workout—and prevent this pesky distraction. Before starting your exercise, ensure your glasses have a tight fit. Securing your glasses may be as simple as adjusting the nose pads. At Visionworks, we offer free professional adjustments for life. Visit any of our locations to get your frames adjusted for the perfect fit.
If you have plastic frames without adjustable nose pads or want an extra secure feel, consider using ear grips or glasses retainers. Ear grips and eyewear retainers keep glasses secure during active movement. Ear grips attach to the temple tips on the arms of your glasses and hook around the back of your ear, providing an extra snug fit and preventing nose sliding.
Eyewear retainers are simple strips of fabric that connect to the arms of your glasses and loop around your head. They can either fit snugly around your head or hang loosely around your neck to keep your glasses from sliding off during activities.
Both products are great options for those with active lifestyles and are ideal for use on runs, during a yoga class or on bike rides.
2. Protect Your Glasses From Sweat
While sweat is a sign that you’re crushing your workout, it can also damage your glasses over time because it builds up on your lenses and frames. Sweat on glasses can also cause smudges, obstructing your vision. You clean your gym equipment and wash your gym clothes after exercising, so don’t forget to clean your glasses!
Keep an eyeglass cleaning kit and a face towel handy in your gym bag. Wipe your face between exercise sets and clean your glasses thoroughly after workouts. Cleaning your glasses reduces debris buildup and keeps your frames looking great—and your vision clear!
Wearing a sweatband can also help keep your glasses clean and prevent sweat from falling onto your glasses mid-workout.
3. Choose Glasses Made for Workouts
You love your bold statement frames, but they may not be the best choice to wear during your workout. Instead of selecting a chunky plastic frame, go for a lightweight frame with a secure fit that’s less likely to slide down your face during exercise. Save your statement frames for the office and meeting up with your friends after working out. Many of your favorite brands offer sporty glasses for workouts designed specifically for active lifestyles.
When buying workout-friendly glasses, look for adjustable nose pads, flexible temples and anti-slip grips. These elements ensure a snug fit and help keep your glasses in place during vigorous activities. Additionally, lenses with anti-fog coatings and scratch-resistant surfaces should be considered to maintain clear vision and durability. If you’ll be exercising outside, polarized lenses are also a fantastic option.
4. Snowboarding or Skiing with Glasses
Hitting the slopes with glasses can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy clear vision while snowboarding or skiing. Choose goggles designed to fit over your glasses to protect your eyewear from the elements and keep them secure. These goggles have extra space and ventilation to accommodate your glasses comfortably. Additionally, consider using anti-fog wipes or sprays on both your goggles and glasses to prevent fogging caused by cold air and body heat.
Ensure your glasses have a snug fit under the goggles to minimize movement. For extra security, keep your glasses in place with a strap.
5. Swimming with Glasses
Swimming with glasses might seem impossible, but there are ways to keep your vision clear in the water. Prescription swim goggles are an excellent option, offering the same vision correction as your regular glasses while being waterproof. These goggles come in various prescriptions and styles, ensuring a comfortable fit for any swimmer.
If you prefer not to use prescription swim goggles, consider wearing a secure strap to keep your glasses in place while you’re at the poolside or during less intense water activities that keep your head above water. Remember to remove your glasses before diving or submerging yourself completely to prevent loss or damage.
The Best Glasses Traits for Active Lifestyles
Visionworks is on a mission to simplify eye care and help you keep a clear focus on your workout goals! We have a wide selection of sporty frames for men, women and kids. Here are five traits of the best glasses for active lifestyles, whether you’re going for a run, hitting the gym or doing a yoga flow.
1. Lightweight frames
Lightweight materials such as titanium or durable plastic reduce the pressure on your face and make your glasses more comfortable during extended workouts. Lightweight frames are also less likely to slip and are more comfortable for prolonged wear.
2. Secure fit
Adjustable nose pads and flexible temples help ensure a snug fit, preventing your glasses from slipping down your nose during intense activities. Look for frames with anti-slip grips on the arms for added stability.
3. Durable construction
Frames made from high-quality, impact-resistant materials are essential for withstanding the rigors of an active lifestyle. Polycarbonate lenses and sturdy frames can endure drops and bumps without breaking.
4. Sweat-resistant coating
Frames with sweat-resistant coating help keep your glasses in place and reduce the risk of corrosion. This feature is essential for those who engage in high-intensity workouts that cause significant precipitation.
5. Ventilated design
Frames with ventilation cutouts or channels help prevent fogging by allowing air to circulate. This design is ideal for outdoor activities or high-intensity workouts where maintaining clear vision is crucial.
Don’t Sweat! Visionworks Has Frames That Won’t Hold You Back!
Active exercise is a big part of life, whether you are a total gym rat or just aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, working out with glasses can be frustrating if they won’t stay in place. Start with a pair of lightweight and secure-fitting glasses, and use our tips to ensure you have a hassle-free workout. Break a sweat while crossing the finish line and beating your personal record—not worrying about your glasses.
At Visionworks, we offer a wide selection of frames designed for active lifestyles. Our experts can help you find the perfect pair that stays put, resists sweat and complements your workout routine. Head to a Visionworks store near you to adjust your frames—or start shopping our sporty glasses frames online. With the right glasses, you can focus clearly on your fitness goals while working out with glasses!
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
