is it okay to go to the gym when you have a cold?

Ttopeka

Please don't. I live with someone who, due to their own illness, will be hospitalized if they catch so much as a cold or the flu -- and because of this, I have to be VERY careful about bringing germs home. It's difficult enough already without someone who *admits* they're sick being careless and spreading germs unnecessarily. Please think of others and work out at home, or go for a walk/run.

fair enough - it's just that this isn't the kind of sick that would come close to justifying missing school or work, nor is it the kind of sick anyone would notice at all unless i started up a long winded conversation. but i am no doctor and have no idea about anything, so i suppose going on a walk or jog or something would be a better bet for the rest of humanity if it is supposedly pretty harmless to my own personal health...

If you have a healthy immune system, good for you -- this cold will barely phase you. But the fact is, some of us do NOT have healthy immune systems, or live with those who don't. A simple "don't cancel work" cold to you or I will quite literally put my family member in the hospital - because they are already feeling pretty poorly.

Look, if it were my own health I was concerned with, I'd say "whatever" and if I got sick - oh well. But if you've ever had to take care of another person and work to preserve their health, you'd understand my aversion.

jsapninz

It's ok to work out if your symptoms are above your neck (so, no chest/lung issues). Do what you got to do, and cover your mouth when coughing and wipe down the equipment.

Some people freak out about people going out in public when you have any sort of bug (even though germs pretty much cover EVERYTHING). Yet, normals bugs are a hazard of human existence so I think it is silly to treat the 24 hour flu like a communicable life-threatening monster.

If you are germophobe, you better not come out of your plastic bubble!

lizzynewm

it would be nice if you stayed home, but come on, many people will go to the gym feeling under the weather. As long as your nose isn't running and you aren't sneezing and coughing every second- you can get away with it. But if I'm next to someone i think is sick, i move away.

i'm not sneezing or coughing at all--that's the thing! just a sore throat. there's nothing more disgusting than being right next to someone with snot coming out of nearly every orifice.

Depends how bad is the cold. Also make sure to wipe down any equipment I use if I do go.

of course! i get annoyed when people who seem totally healthy walk off without cleaning equipment they've been on for awhile.

No! Keep your germy sick self to yourself, dammit! I don't want your virus!

i am sorry. i'm still going to live my life today outside of my quarantined room, though!
(though not necessarily at the gym... you are all starting to make me feel super guilty)

mikeyboy

Please don't. I live with someone who, due to their own illness, will be hospitalized if they catch so much as a cold or the flu -- and because of this, I have to be VERY careful about bringing germs home. It's difficult enough already without someone who *admits* they're sick being careless and spreading germs unnecessarily. Please think of others and work out at home, or go for a walk/run.

fair enough - it's just that this isn't the kind of sick that would come close to justifying missing school or work, nor is it the kind of sick anyone would notice at all unless i started up a long winded conversation. but i am no doctor and have no idea about anything, so i suppose going on a walk or jog or something would be a better bet for the rest of humanity if it is supposedly pretty harmless to my own personal health...

If you have a healthy immune system, good for you -- this cold will barely phase you. But the fact is, some of us do NOT have healthy immune systems, or live with those who don't. A simple "don't cancel work" cold to you or I will quite literally put my family member in the hospital - because they are already feeling pretty poorly.

Look, if it were my own health I was concerned with, I'd say "whatever" and if I got sick - oh well. But if you've ever had to take care of another person and work to preserve their health, you'd understand my aversion.

And I'm guessing since you go out into the world and are exposed to all kinds of germs, you take plenty of precautions? The cold germs are everywhere, all the time. Like someone posted, it's just not at the gym.

sortin

Exposure builds immunity. What an opportunity to help others!

Athijade

it would be nice if you stayed home, but come on, many people will go to the gym feeling under the weather. As long as your nose isn't running and you aren't sneezing and coughing every second- you can get away with it. But if I'm next to someone i think is sick, i move away.

i'm not sneezing or coughing at all--that's the thing! just a sore throat. there's nothing more disgusting than being right next to someone with snot coming out of nearly every orifice.

Considering a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes could be the start of strep, I don't care that you are not sneezing or coughing. You KNOW you are sick so stay home! That is the right thing to do for those poor people around you at the gym. Don't just go "Oh, it is ONLY a sore throat."

lizzynewm

Please don't. I live with someone who, due to their own illness, will be hospitalized if they catch so much as a cold or the flu -- and because of this, I have to be VERY careful about bringing germs home. It's difficult enough already without someone who *admits* they're sick being careless and spreading germs unnecessarily. Please think of others and work out at home, or go for a walk/run.

fair enough - it's just that this isn't the kind of sick that would come close to justifying missing school or work, nor is it the kind of sick anyone would notice at all unless i started up a long winded conversation. but i am no doctor and have no idea about anything, so i suppose going on a walk or jog or something would be a better bet for the rest of humanity if it is supposedly pretty harmless to my own personal health...

If you have a healthy immune system, good for you -- this cold will barely phase you. But the fact is, some of us do NOT have healthy immune systems, or live with those who don't. A simple "don't cancel work" cold to you or I will quite literally put my family member in the hospital - because they are already feeling pretty poorly.

Look, if it were my own health I was concerned with, I'd say "whatever" and if I got sick - oh well. But if you've ever had to take care of another person and work to preserve their health, you'd understand my aversion.

no, i get you! and i certainly haven't been exempt from such situations - i couldn't visit my uncle for the few months before he passed away because he was quarantined: your aversion and concern is understood. but in the grand scheme of things, i cannot realistically hole myself up in my room everytime my throat gets sore of my head feels congested.

i get that the gym is a total breeding ground for stuff like that, too, especially considering so many people are touching the same things. and while i do look out for others by sanitizing the things i use and by not going if i'm coughing or sneezy or anything, there's a point where you have to be realistic at a place like the gym and look out for yourself, too. if you're going to go to a place that's congested (ha, pun) with sweaty people all sharing equipment and touching everything all day every day, you totally have to be wary of the fact that there are some germs lurking about - which is why i sanitize machines before and after. crisis averted!

i wouldn't go for sure if i was really sick, and for the record!!!- i'll pass on today because i don't know exactly how sick i am yet. i didn't realize i would strike a nerve with so many people. these forums scare the **** out of me.

WinWinGo

For you, yes. Exercise is good for you and will probably make you feel better.
I don't know why you would want to though. Another poster said it sounds like strep, and now that I think about it, it kind of does. If I had the beginnings of strep, I'd stay in bed, gargle cayenne pepper, and sleep.
Colds are my favorite reason to do nothing, ever.

laddyboy

Ok, let's see. If you are not running a fever and you can still deliver intensity without poor form I would say it's ok to workout. If you are running a fever you need rest to recover and you'll probably be feeling lousy enough to sacrafice form and probably hurt yourself. Better to miss a few days with sickness than to miss a few months with injury.

Now on the going to the Gym side. I wouldn't dream of going to BootCamp sick. We did have a guy come one day with Streph and I was pissed. Usually I hear the freaking word and I get it. See my throat is already scratchy. Take care of yourself.

L_amore

My doctor told me I could exercise as long as the symptoms are in my head (no, not imaginary). If they move into the chest, don't exercise.

That being said, you might also want to consider the others going to the gym. Will they want to exercise next to someone who's coughing up a lung and perhaps spreading germs?

This statement would be true, if its in your chest DO NOT exercise... I found this out the hard way. I exercised and my cold went into full blown flu mode it was awful even felt like someone beat me with a 2x4. So word to the wise, don't exercise if its a chest cold or you have congestion etc., wait it out... and then hit it full force when you feel better!

SuzieZimm

I don't get the whole "it's fine if it's in your head" thing. I'm battling a cold right now...and the combination of lightheadedness, congestion blocking my nose, sore throat making my mouth dry....I have no idea how it's possible to work out in this condition!! It's a cold. Take those 3 days off! Go for a walk instead!

Ttopeka

And I'm guessing since you go out into the world and are exposed to all kinds of germs, you take plenty of precautions? The cold germs are everywhere, all the time. Like someone posted, it's just not at the gym.

Of course I take precautions, and I never said it was just the gym -- nor did I say that anyone who is sick should quarantine themselves until they're feeling tip-top 100% better. But there is a big difference between doing what you NEED to do and what you WANT to do. If you need to go to work, go grocery shopping, visit the post office -- by all means, do it. I'm taking my precautions, as I hope you are as well. But if it's optional (and exercising at the gym IS) and you're feeling under the weather, I think it's common courtesy to protect the health of others until you're sure you're better or non-infectious.

Yes, it's unreasonable to expect to not come across germs in life -- but when someone *admits* they're sick, I think it's just plain selfish to still go out and do whatever they *want*. Plenty of illnesses are contagious before they present symptoms, and I'm aware that I cannot avoid that -- but when there *are* symptoms, I'd sure as hell like to avoid them. I can't ask every single person how they're feeling, so I just have to hope that some people are concerned enough with the well-being of others that they wouldn't expose their germs unnecessarily -- all the while still trying to protect myself if they do.

shamulesbo

jesus christ guys, calm the **** down. Most of you got heated over nothing and didn't even answer her question

Ttopeka

Frankly, "shamulesbo", I think *you* need to calm down. Swearing (albeit in asterisks) is unnecessary. Who is upset or not calm? I'm not sure who you're referring to, but as far as I can see, this has been a civil conversation.

shamulesbo

oh my god are you being racist towards me? Leave me alone I don't want to talk to you!

Ttopeka

Umm...I don't know what you're reading, but alright -- nice to see you passing through.

Michele7091

And I'm guessing since you go out into the world and are exposed to all kinds of germs, you take plenty of precautions? The cold germs are everywhere, all the time. Like someone posted, it's just not at the gym.

Of course I take precautions, and I never said it was just the gym -- nor did I say that anyone who is sick should quarantine themselves until they're feeling tip-top 100% better. But there is a big difference between doing what you NEED to do and what you WANT to do. If you need to go to work, go grocery shopping, visit the post office -- by all means, do it. I'm taking my precautions, as I hope you are as well. But if it's optional (and exercising at the gym IS) and you're feeling under the weather, I think it's common courtesy to protect the health of others until you're sure you're better or non-infectious.

Yes, it's unreasonable to expect to not come across germs in life -- but when someone *admits* they're sick, I think it's just plain selfish to still go out and do whatever they *want*. Plenty of illnesses are contagious before they present symptoms, and I'm aware that I cannot avoid that -- but when there *are* symptoms, I'd sure as hell like to avoid them. I can't ask every single person how they're feeling, so I just have to hope that some people are concerned enough with the well-being of others that they wouldn't expose their germs unnecessarily -- all the while still trying to protect myself if they do.

I think we get it...you have to take care of someone that can be hospitalized just by catching the common cold. I don't think the OP has *any* intention of purposely infecting others at the gym. (See I can use asterisks too to emphasize). There's really no need to act "high and mighty" just because she asked a simple question.

juliee274

It seems many folks here are not reading your original post correctly or your replies.I understand, like some others, what you are asking. My advice? Stay at home and lightly exercise (as suggested by others). You may actually find, when you start exercising, that you feel worse than you thought, and it would be awful to be at the gym and become lightheaded/pass out. I know....it has happened to me. Safer for YOU to stay/exercise at home until you feel better.

lizzynewm

I think we get it...you have to take care of someone that can be hospitalized just by catching the common cold. I don't think the OP has *any* intention of purposely infecting others at the gym. (See I can use asterisks too to emphasize). There's really no need to act "high and mighty" just because she asked a simple question.

It seems many folks here are not reading your original post correctly or your replies.I understand, like some others, what you are asking. My advice? Stay at home and lightly exercise (as suggested by others). You may actually find, when you start exercising, that you feel worse than you thought, and it would be awful to be at the gym and become lightheaded/pass out. I know....it has happened to me. Safer for YOU to stay/exercise at home until you feel better.

:flowerforyou: even to you, shamulesbo.. haha

Ttopeka

I think we get it...you have to take care of someone that can be hospitalized just by catching the common cold. I don't think the OP has *any* intention of purposely infecting others at the gym. (See I can use asterisks too to emphasize). There's really no need to act "high and mighty" just because she asked a simple question.

I'm not sure what I said that made me sound like I was acting "high and mighty", but that was far from my intention. I was merely trying to provide an alternative point of view to the OP -- perhaps it is not the answer to *exactly* what she asked, but it was mine (and some others') understanding that is what she asked from the time of my first reply. I only continued with my point for the sake of continuity, and because I also think it is an important consideration for the OP to consider. I wanted to clarify to some people that it's not a matter of being a germaphobe -- it can be more serious.

Side note -- How is the way that I emphasize my words relevant? If it bothers you, I can stop -- I didn't realize it was an issue to some people. I find it less aggressive than capitalization, as many people misconstrue THAT as yelling.

xSophia19

Yea i dont see why you cant go to the gym because of a cold! I think that as long as your head isnt like pounding by a headache, then its ok to go.I doubt no one else will catch your cold, unless you sneeze whilst walking past them :laugh:

You could try going for 30 mins, and see how you get on? If you feel like you can stay there longer, then do so. If not, then come home

Michele7091

I think we get it...you have to take care of someone that can be hospitalized just by catching the common cold. I don't think the OP has *any* intention of purposely infecting others at the gym. (See I can use asterisks too to emphasize). There's really no need to act "high and mighty" just because she asked a simple question.

I'm not sure what I said that made me sound like I was acting "high and mighty", but that was far from my intention. I was merely trying to provide an alternative point of view to the OP -- perhaps it is not the answer to *exactly* what she asked, but it was mine (and some others') understanding that is what she asked from the time of my first reply. I only continued with my point for the sake of continuity, and because I also think it is an important consideration for the OP to consider. I wanted to clarify to some people that it's not a matter of being a germaphobe -- it can be more serious.

Side note -- How is the way that I emphasize my words relevant? If it bothers you, I can stop -- I didn't realize it was an issue to some people. I find it less aggressive than capitalization, as many people misconstrue THAT as yelling.

Its not so much the fact that you used the asterisks as the amount of times you used them. And we get it. We had it the first time you mentioned your situation (which I do sympathize with BTW) so there was no need to continue to emphasize your point. And to me, yes you did come across as "high and mighty"...just my opinion of course but I'd be willing to bet I'm not the only one that took it that way.

tig_ol_bitties

1. ASK YOUR DOCTOR!!! We don't know how "sick" you are, therefore this could be dangerous to you and to other members of your gym.

2. When in doubt, work out at home. I don't want to get sick because someone snotted all over the equipment I want to use.

Ttopeka

I'm not saying that I didn't appear high and mighty -- I'm just saying that wasn't my intention, and I apologize if I seemed like I was doing it on purpose.

Perhaps you feel that there was no need to emphasize my point (asterisks or not), but I wasn't trying to emphasize it per se -- but rather clear up any misconceptions surrounding germs and germaphobes that I saw in several posts. I believed it important to offer an alternative point of view. I wasn't trying to tell her, or anyone, what to do.

Sorry if I come across poorly -- I'm well aware that I'm quite lengthy and long-winded when I'm typing, so perhaps my reiterations come across negatively. I tend to view it more as an attempt at clarification.

PlunderBunneh

Sure. I always feels tons better after a quick run when I've got a head cold. Gets all that gunk up and out of your system. I do go to the gym *gasp*, but I am extra careful about not coughing on anyone, using hand sanitizer, and spraying down every surface I touch. I've got kids in public school, if I stayed confined to my house every time one of us had the sniffles, I would never leave.

SirBen81

Just do what you want to do. If you got me sick I wouldn't blame you. I'd blame myself for having a weak immune system.

JetMechRN

There is some strain of hideous cold going around. I think if someone is ill or feeling ill they should stay home. If you should feel the need to go to the gym then make sure you wipe down the equipment you use. But seriously, stay home.

shamulesbo

I remember I went to the gym with swine flu, hospitalized 7 people. I don't even care

MoreBean13

Does anyone think its your responsibility to keep yourself healthy? Like if you have some weakened immune system and you pick up colds easily YOU should be the one that isn't frequenting germy places like gyms? I think people should do what they can WITHIN REASON to not spread germs. I think people are suggesting going over the top. The OP has a mild sore throat.

People with severe allergies, say peanuts for example, don't expect the world to desist eating peanuts- they themselves have to be mindful to avoid peanuts. If you get sick easily, don't hang out places where people sweat and respire profusely.

juliee274

Does anyone think its your responsibility to keep yourself healthy? Like if you have some weakened immune system and you pick up colds easily YOU should be the one that isn't frequenting germy places like gyms? I think people should do what they can WITHIN REASON to not spread germs. I think people are suggesting going over the top. The OP has a mild sore throat.

People with severe allergies, say peanuts for example, don't expect the world to desist eating peanuts- they themselves have to be mindful to avoid peanuts. If you get sick easily, don't hang out places where people sweat and respire profusely.

Shocking! Personal responsibility?!? You've got to be joking!!