do you exercise when you have a cold?

[Lisa F]

I must admit that I have been feeling guilty the last couple of days. I developed a nasty cold on Sunday and although I have been planning to do a half hour of exercise every day, I could barely get enough air when going up the stairs and I decided it wouldn't be so smart. I am on thyroid medication so I can't take a decongestant to open up my airways... claritin helps a little bit but not as much as something like dayquil, which makes me feel normal for a few hours. So I just stayed in bed and drank lots of water and tried to kick this thing, but now I am feeling guilty that I didn't at least do SOMETHING for exercise those two days. I'm not 100% better today but I'm not as phlegmy so I think I will go to curves and Purell my hands before I get on the equipment and not touch my face or anything while on the equipment.

So to those of you who are die hards, what do you do when you have a cold? do you do some kind of lighter workout or do you just take some days off?

 

[DisneyGirl]

The rule of thumb that I was taught by a trainer several years ago was that, if it is a cold, keep working out; if it's the flu, stay home and rest, BUT, if the cold is in your chest, you have to be careful if you can't breath (so if it's in the chest, don't workout)...

...Now, that being said, I have always *tried* to workout when I have a cold, but it never lasts more than a day until I'm better

 

[ohMom]

a normal/mild cold -- yes i'd workout

what you seem to have had -- more bronchitis like -- no i would'nt have. if you can't stand yourself then howabout some yoga???

if you feel like working out will just set you back in your recovery from an illness, i say no way jose!

 

[gshoemate]

Coming from someone who works out 4-5 days a week, I haven't exercised in over a week. I got a nasty cold that I just can't seem to get out of the house. I have no energy, can't breath and have such a sinus headache. And I don't want to go to the gym and give everyone my germs. But I feel very guilty. The good thing is I really haven't had much of an appetite so I haven't been eating much.

 

[AprilN]

I do work out when I'm feeling sick, but definitely a lighter workout, i.e. walking 2 miles rather than running 4 miles, or taking it easy at Curves. I usually feel a little bit better after the workout!

 

[Lisa F]

Well I dragged my pathetic carcass to curves and although I didn't feel better when I was done, I didn't feel any worse. Definitely did less reps and just toned things back in general. Mentally I feel better though!

 

[kitn]

Sometimes when you are sick it is a mental thing. You "feel" sicker than you actually are. A few weeks ago I had a bad cold with no energy. I decided to do a light workout after a few days of being cooped up and it is amazing how much better I felt. I think if you have a cold you should try it and see how your body reacts. you can always stop if it is too much. I usually feel better after I workout.

 

[Twinkies]

They say the general rule of thumb is if the cold is above the neck, it's okay to exercise. Below the neck, rest.

However, I rarely have energy to exercise with much of a cold. Also, since immunities are down, I figure best to stay away from a public place like a gym.... don't want to spread it around either.