The lurgy and exercise...

SlimSadieG

Afternoon!

I've come down with a rotten cold, but really want to go Spinning tonight....

Will excercising whilst under the weather help or hinder my recovery??

Schwiggity

How under the weather? If it's really bad, you'll probably feel like death afterward.

ramseyrose

If you have a temperature then its definitely a no-no as it puts the heart under strain and can cause endocarditis. Personally I think you should give it a miss as your body will be trying to fight the bugs and adding extra stress wont help you get better quickly. Rest, keep warm, drink loads and take paracetamol. You are more likely to get better quickly. Three days off wont hurt.

ChaseAlder

I've worked out while sick before, it doesn't make it better or worse for me, I usually just feel the same. The exception is if I run outside in the cold.

If you feel up to it, I think it's probably ok. Your body will tell you.

cathcakey

The neck down rule is a pretty good one for cardio workouts:

If your symptoms are above your neck ie: blocked nose etc then should be ok, and may actually help

If your symptoms are below your neck ie: chesty cough, then probably best to give it a miss until you feel better

Hope that's helpful

koosdel

I can't say if it would help, or hurt you. Personally, I would workout.

ramseyrose

I found this on another site:-

Here's an excerpt from an article written by a Navy Seals Trainer
But back to the question. The rule is: If your chest is congested, you have a fever, chills, dehydrated, or any other cold ailment from the neck down, DO NOT WORKOUT. Chest congestion and any type of exercise do not mix well. Aerobic or anaerobic activity can overwork your heart and can cause your chest cold to develop into a bronchitis or pneumonia. Lifting weights can naturally increase blood pressure. Combined with over working your heart, you can really cause damage if not careful when exercising while ill. Plus -- you don't want to bring your germs to the gym either.

However, if you have a head cold with minor sinus pain, sniffles, sneezing, etc., it is fine to workout as long as you have a normal energy level and are not feeling sluggish. Be careful not to overdo your activity with high-intensity workouts. You need to drop your intensity level a bit because your body is using energy to fight whatever it is that's making you feel ill. Keep hydrated by drinking 3-4 quarts of water a day and eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. This will enable your body to fight off the ? causing your symptoms.

SlimSadieG

Great advice...

Thanks everyone!!