Running is one of the most rewarding exercises you can do. Aside from being an accessible and affordable workout, it has numerous health benefits: it can significantly improve your cardiovascular health, sleep quality, mental health, and stress levels, and weight loss progress.

However, running can be a hassle if you’re among the 77% of women and 68% of men in the UK who need vision correction. Fogged-up lenses and the risk of your specs falling off are just a couple of inconveniences that come that can discourage consistency. But you shouldn’t sacrifice visibility or the protective layer that your glasses provide.

Fortunately, you can still run comfortably, even with your glasses on. Here are some valuable steps you can take.

Wear dedicated sports eyewear
If you run with regular glasses, you may be blinded by the sun’s glare or get dizzy when your frames bounce around in your view. That’s why it’s ideal to use dedicated sports eyewear specifically for running. For this, consider getting prescription sunglasses. They incorporate your prescription into top-quality lenses with premium filters that protect your eyes from the sun and polarised coatings that enhance visual clarity. Established activewear brand Oakley is a great place to start looking, as it offers these features on their ultra-lightweight frames with enhanced field of view and impact protection. It even offers models like the Corridor that are specifically designed for running and utilise an anti-bob nose pad to ensure it stays in place.

Wear an adjustable strap
Even well-fitting eyewear can slip down your nose bridge when you sweat profusely. Fortunately, you can opt for an adjustable strap to make your glasses fit more snugly around your head without putting too much pressure behind your ears. The brand Croakies offers many variations of glasses retainers, often made from washable cotton or durable climbing ropes. They fit most frames and can be tightened or loosened through an adjustable black bead. Securing your glasses with these ensures they don’t slip down or bounce around even as you run.

Use an anti-fogging solution
A common discomfort when exercising with glasses is fogged-up lenses. Because your body is heating up, it can steam up your lenses, obscuring your view and forcing you to keep stopping to wipe them away. Fortunately, there are spray-on solutions that prevent this from happening. You can use anti-fog sprays, which coat surfaces with molecules to attract water for an even, see-through surface. Nilco Nilfog is excellent for this, as it is commonly used for goggles, visors, helmets, screens, and glasses. Its anti-fog formulation creates a micro-thin film with clear visibility and a streak-free finish. This can come especially in handy if you run in cold weather when moisture can condense on your lenses.

Use a visor or a hat
Another common obstruction for glasses wearers outdoors is rain or snow, which can significantly reduce much-needed visibility when running. But that shouldn’t stop you from heading out in difficult weather. One of the best ways to avoid repeatedly wiping your glasses is by wearing a visor or a hat, which can block much of the water from touching your lenses. Just make sure your headwear is bought from reliable sportswear brands like Nike, Under Armour, or adidas, so they’re breathable and fit comfortably. A simple accessory like this can go a long way in maintaining a clear view when you’re outside.

Running is a fantastic habit that can benefit a greater quality of life. With these steps, even those wearing glasses can enjoy the activity without trouble.