Exercising through Cold and Flu

rmahoops

Any advise on how to exercise through major cold/flu?

girlinahat

concentrate on getting better
eat at maintenance to allow your body to fight infection
don't go to the gym
general rule of thumb - if it's above the neck it's okay to run, if below the neck, rest

If you cold/flu is that major, do you really FEEL up to exercising?

cwolfman13

You don't...you rest and let your body recover. Exercise is just going to be added stress on a body that is working hard to recover and fight off the illness. Common sense...

And definitely stay out of the gym and other public venues...don't spread that *kitten* around...

musicfan68

I can't imagine even having the energy to get out of bed if you have the flu, much less exercising. A cold is different. If it's just a head cold, you can still work out if you feel up to it. Flu, I would give it a week or two to get better before exercising again.

tinkerbellang83

A walk in the fresh air wrapped up well against the weather usually helps me feel a little better rather than sitting at home feeling sorry for myself.

But I third the above - stay out of the gym, noone else needs your germs and second eating at maintenance to help yourself recover.

StarvingDiva

If my energy is zapped from being sick I don't workout, I let my body rest, if my energy is fine, I workout.

quiksylver296

Don't.

Allow yourself time to get healthy. You're not doing yourself any favors and will likely prolong the illness.

kdbulger

I dial down the intensity, for example, by walking outside instead of hitting the gym.
Recently (during a month long chest virus) when I felt better and was sure I wasn't contagious, I'd go attempt my normal work out. If I was zapped the next day, I'd dial it back or completely rest for a few more days until I felt well enough to try again.
Like others have said though, don't put added stress on your body when you are feeling obviously unwell.

elphie754

A cold and a flu are two very different things. If it's a cold and you feel up to it, you could try some light exercises. It is a flu, no, just let your body relax and recover.

Fitnessmom82

If it's the flu- don't work out. Rest and take care of your self! I work out when I have a head cold. Depending on how bad it is, I adjust my routine and don't push too hard. As long as I'm not coughing sneezing all over the place I will still go to the gym, but I make sure to keep Kleenex with me and wipe down anything that I touch.

callsitlikeiseeit

dont. let your body heal.

laur357

If it's the actual flu or a severe cold, rest your body, get lots of liquids, and stay away from other people if at all possible - developing pneumonia, bronchitis, or other related complications will only prolong the time you're down and out.

Sabine_Stroehm

Rest.
Then when you feel better, go for a nice walk.

Stay OUT of gyms until you're sure you're not contagious.