Head Cold - should I exercise?

kalamitykate83
kalamitykate83 Posts: 227 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I came down with a cold on Saturday, and I exercised Sunday and yesterday however today I feel a million times worse. I have a head cold and sore throat, blocked nose etc. Will exercising tonight make it worse do you think and / or should i have a rest night?! I want to exercise but I also want this cold to do one :-1:

Replies

  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Exercising will likely have little real impact on it. What will matter most is sleep. Exercising can often help clear/drain your head (temporarily), so if nothing else it may offer some temporary relief.
  • EmmieBaby
    EmmieBaby Posts: 1,235 Member
    I work out when sick, just not as intense. I try to do more yoga/Pilates to help relieve the sore joints and headaches that come with having a cold/flu.

    get better soon!
  • beemerphile1
    beemerphile1 Posts: 1,710 Member
    When it happens to me, I will exercise the first day or two. If it doesn't go away I take a few days off.

    If it lingers, I figure I am better off not exercising. Get some rest, get well, and then get back at it.
  • JenniDaisy
    JenniDaisy Posts: 526 Member
    The general consensus is you're fine to exercise as long as it's not on your chest. Really just do what you feel up to, you're not going to lose fitness overnight if you take a rest day.
    You might find that some gentle exercise makes you feel better.
  • hdrenollet
    hdrenollet Posts: 147 Member
    I continue my workout routine if I am sick (as long as it's not a stomach bug). I find that my colds seem to go away faster than they used to.
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    Do you physically feel fine enough to go about your normal routine? If not then you'll probably have a crappy workout. There have been times I was too sick to work out because it would be so tiring on my already tired body and make me nauseous even though I wasn't nauseous to begin wtih. But if I have a cold and I feel fine doing my normal day stuff outside of itchy/sore throat and inability to breath through my nose, then workouts are fine. Granted I primarily lift weights, so not sure how this goes for cardio.
  • kalamitykate83
    kalamitykate83 Posts: 227 Member
    Thanks all :smile:

    I felt fine in my workout on Sunday, last night's workout I was ok but I did feel slightly light headed at times as my head felt so full if that makes sense!

    I'm meant to be going to a TRX Core class this eve, so I'll see how I feel when I finish work I think!
  • Angel_Grove_
    Angel_Grove_ Posts: 205 Member
    I've been having massive allergies/possibly a head cold, and I've found that the only thing that actually clears my sinuses is to get moving - at least walking. If I sit or stand still, I just plug right back up again.

    Just base your workout on your energy level - if energy is a bit low, just go for a walk or do some yoga/stretching or something. If you feel totally crappy, just give it a rest for a day or two.
  • 40andFindingFitness
    40andFindingFitness Posts: 497 Member
    Angel_Grove_ wrote: »
    I've been having massive allergies/possibly a head cold, and I've found that the only thing that actually clears my sinuses is to get moving - at least walking. If I sit or stand still, I just plug right back up again.

    I had a terrible head cold last year and the same thing happened. It seemed like every time I got up and moved I felt great. 20 minutes after stopping I felt stuffy again. I'd say do what your body tells you. If you feel run down then rest.
  • kalamitykate83
    kalamitykate83 Posts: 227 Member
    I went to the class last night and felt fine doing it but then felt a million times worse after!
  • kalamitykate83
    kalamitykate83 Posts: 227 Member
    Pressed send too soon! I do however feel a little more human today, but still crappy so definitely a rest day today I think!!
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