A Cold + Exercise = ?

cschu544

Hey MFP'ers! Curious on a topic many of you have been posting about. I have a cold/sinus infection going on like the hundreds of other people do right about now, and I WANT to work-out, but I have no energy or motivation to do much. I read that exercise helps heal your body from a sickness faster, which would be awesome (I can force myself to work-out even if my body isn't feeling it). I'm curious if I should just give it a rest until I feel better, or if I should do a light work-out so that I'm still active. What's your opinion on this?

sarahmctaggart

I find going for a good walk is great when you have a cold - always make me feel better

adjones5

walking would be okay but I wouldn't do anything strenuous

BigDaddyBRC

When you are sick and have no energy, then your body is telling you to rest. 'nough said.

amysj303

personally, I don't workout when I am sick. I think the body needs to devote it's resources to getting healthy and if I workout, the sickness seems to linger longer, but that is just me. A lot of people say if your issues are above the neck, it is fine to work out, but it's not like a want to hit the treadmill with a runny nose!

MikeInAZ

I was sick with a cough and congestion for 3 weeks. Worked out right through it! Guess you need to listen to your body and if you can't push it don't!

- Mike

shellydthomas

I vote to go ahead & get in a light workout if you feel up to it. When I have a cold/sinus infection, I still try to get to the gym for a walk at a moderate pace on the treadmill for 30 min or use the stationary bike at a moderate pace for the same amount of time. It usually makes me feel better. And make sure you get a lot of fluids too.

Almiel

A rule of thumb I read is that a light workout is ok UNLESS the infection is in your lungs. From WebMD:

Should You Exercise With a Cold?

Because exercise may help to boost immune function, it's usually safe to exercise with a cold.

Still, if you exercise with a cold, it's important to listen to your body. Sometimes cold medications such as decongestants can increase your heart rate. In addition, your heart rate is increased with exercise. The combination of exercise and decongestants can cause your heart to pump very hard. You may become short of breath and have difficulty breathing.

If you have asthma and a cold, make sure you talk with your doctor before you exercise. If your asthma symptoms are worse with a cold, you'll need to use caution. Exercising with a cold and asthma may cause increased respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require you to use more asthma medications to open your airways. Overuse of asthma drugs can also cause your heart rate to increase.

If you have a fever with a cold, exercise may stress your body even more. That's why it's important to wait a few days to get back to your regular exercise regimen. Working out too hard with a cold could stress your body, causing you to feel worse. This additional stress may hinder your recovery.
...

If you exercise with a cold and have any of the following symptoms, it's important to stop and call your doctor:

Increased chest congestion
Difficulty catching your breath
Coughing and/or wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Trouble breathing or excessive shortness of breath
Light-headedness or dizziness
Difficulty with balance

lawkat

Are you going to work out at a gym? If so, why don't you stay home or go for a walk instead of spreading your virus around the gym. I don't understand why people are so insistent on going to the gym when they are sick. Rest. That is what your body is telling you.

cschu544

Are you going to work out at a gym? If so, why don't you stay home or go for a walk instead of spreading your virus around the gym. I don't understand why people are so insistent on going to the gym when they are sick. Rest. That is what your body is telling you.

That actually isn't the point I was getting at. And I'm pretty sure the gym is one of the most sterile places I can go. Not to mention the equipment is decontaminated after every use. I could say the same thing about school, or the bathroom, or work, or the airport.. People still need to live their lives when they don't feel well.

wolfchild59

Workouts, cardio especially, when I'm stuffed up or have a sinus headache have a wonderful effect on me. It clears everything up and I feel awesome afterwards. Better than any cold medicine ever does. I always drag myself to do some cardio if I'm feeling crappy cuz I know I'll feel great when I'm done.

Also, I used to get sick and stay sick for weeks. Since I've been working out, the worst of my symptoms are usually gone in a couple of days.

cschu544

Workouts, cardio especially, when I'm stuffed up or have a sinus headache have a wonderful effect on me. It clears everything up and I feel awesome afterwards. Better than any cold medicine ever does. I always drag myself to do some cardio if I'm feeling crappy cuz I know I'll feel great when I'm done.

Also, I used to get sick and stay sick for weeks. Since I've been working out, the worst of my symptoms are usually gone in a couple of days.

Ok, glad I'm not crazy. It normally does make me feel better.. but I just don't have any energy. I think I will give it a rest for today, but tomorrow I am just going to take some dayquil and do what I need to do. Thanks for the advice