The main objective of this petition is to make cloth face masks OPTIONAL and not OBLIGATORY while excercising in gyms, fitness centers, arenas (for the athletes, not the spectators) and other athletic centers across the province of Quebec. 

While the center for disease control does state that the wearing of cloth face masks is likely to slow the spread of covid 19, they also state that wearing face masks may not be suitable for everyone, e.i people with breathing difficulties, people engaged in high intensity activity as they may increase the risk of heat related Illness, people with mental health conditions (not specified)

Face masks are most essential where social distancing is not possible. The gyms of Quebec have put social distancing measures in place, many of them cutting the amount of equipment available in half, in order to adhere to government guidelines. Hand sanitizing / washing stations have been put in place and many gyms are taking clients temperatures before they are allowed in.

The gyms of Quebec have put more measures in place than the majority of other industries to adhere to government guidelines and slow the spread of the virus.

Imposing face masks on athletes will make breathing much more difficult. As respiration is already under stress during intense physical activity, these masks will exacerbate that stress and could be very dangerous for asthmatics or anyone else with respiratory/cardiovascular issues.

Making physical exercise more difficult and uncomfortable will certainly discourage more people from engaging in it all together. Having less of the population participating in excercise and sports will have a lasting negative impact on the physical and mental health of the people of Quebec. 

Many people seek the gym as an asylum to anxiety and stress. The constrictive feeling of the face mask or difficulty it causes in breathing will not help these anxiety sufferers.

Wearing a face mask also reduces your field of vision while looking down which presents a very high risk of severe and potentially crippling injury when weight lifting.

This petition is not in protest to wearing face masks while in the changing room or waiting area. This petition is in support of allowing athletes to choose weather or not they want to wear a mask while actively engaging in physical activity. Giving athletes the choice to continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically, and being able to do so safely- which may be without a mask depending on their respiration, mental health and affected field of vision.