Common Cold + Exercise

LazyGuy91
LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
edited January 17 in Fitness and Exercise
I currently have a cold. However, I don't want it to stop my exercise routine because I'm supposed to weigh in on Thursday and have a road trip and bowling tournament this weekend. Will sitting in the sauna at the gym help me sweat out the cold, or is that just a fairytale? Any advice?

Replies

  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    My rule of thumb has always been if it's above the neck it is OK to work out. If it is below the neck and/or you are running a fever, then REST. I am not sure it is really possible to sweat out a cold. Just hydrate and get plenty of vitamin C! Feel better!
  • AllAboutThatTreble
    AllAboutThatTreble Posts: 156 Member
    It's just a fairy tale. The common cold is caused by a virus and you'll just have to wait for your body to fight it off. Of course, you can take things to help with the symptoms, but in the end it's your body that will have to fight it off.

    I also heard the same thing that if it's above the neck, you can work out.

    Hope you feel better soon!
  • efirkey
    efirkey Posts: 298 Member
    If it is above the neck supposedly you can work out, but it might not be fair to those around you like in a health club.
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    Thanks. Trying to keep it above the neck but feel it creepin. It hasnt affected my routine much yet, but energy is definitely down.
  • _SASX_
    _SASX_ Posts: 255 Member
    If it's restricting your breathing-as in congestion and throat, take it really easy. Do some light intensity stuff, but I've also hard the above the neck rule of thumb, and have done it myself. Just keep the kleenex handy!
  • Treadmillmom1st
    Treadmillmom1st Posts: 579 Member
    I personally believe in taking a rest with a cold. Last week I could feel a cold brewing I took daily doses of Vitamin C and Manuka Honey in my herbal tea and did not exercise for 7 days. I felt great and lost 2 lbs lol.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    I am finally getting over this nasty cold going around my office. I gave myself 2 days off then worked out (at home) to try and sweat out the cold a bit. It definitely helped
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member
    It's just a fairy tale. The common cold is caused by a virus and you'll just have to wait for your body to fight it off. Of course, you can take things to help with the symptoms, but in the end it's your body that will have to fight it off.

    I also heard the same thing that if it's above the neck, you can work out.

    Hope you feel better soon!

    Agreed. Stay hydrated, keep your work outs light and let your body rest.
    It's using extra energy to fight the cold.
    If you let yourself get run down, then you you may open yourself up to a longer illness.
  • traceytwink
    traceytwink Posts: 538 Member
    Take a rest it's your bodies way of telling you to, and I'm sure if you sweat it out in the sauna everyone else is going to love you for sharing your cold with them unless you have a sauna at home of course, hope you get better quickly I know how hard it is to stop the exercise once your in a routine but you will be back and killing your workouts quicker in the long run
  • gwensoul
    gwensoul Posts: 87 Member
    Work out but wipe everything as soon as you are done to avoid spreading it to others.
  • SquidandWhale
    SquidandWhale Posts: 259
    I have the flu (shot failed), and can't think of doing anything more than sleeping, drinking, moaning pathetically, and trolling the Internet. Plus, it's really unfair to take your sick *kitten* out and about in the world where you might infect hapless victims with your malady.
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    Hey ... it's survival of the fittest out there! Lol
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member
    Dude, you're picking your nose.
    No wonder you're sick-lol! :bigsmile:
  • shannonalgren
    shannonalgren Posts: 28
    I have a cold too. I didnt do anything yesterday but did a little today. I say, if I feel upto it I try.
  • EmmaKarney
    EmmaKarney Posts: 690 Member
    My rule of thumb has always been if it's above the neck it is OK to work out. If it is below the neck and/or you are running a fever, then REST. I am not sure it is really possible to sweat out a cold. Just hydrate and get plenty of vitamin C! Feel better!

    My PT said the exact same thing to me :)
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    No fever here. (Knock on wood).

    I had the flu over New Years and it shut me down for a week. I'm hoping this is just a dumb cold. The weather was very nice this weekend so maybe allergies contributed to it.

    And I'm only picking my nose.. not eating it! I'm removing germs :p
  • WDEvy
    WDEvy Posts: 814 Member
    Dealing wit the same problem here... I went to my Zumba class yesterday but definitely wasn't able to find my normal energy levels so i took the day off today.
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member
    No fever here. (Knock on wood).

    I had the flu over New Years and it shut me down for a week. I'm hoping this is just a dumb cold. The weather was very nice this weekend so maybe allergies contributed to it.

    And I'm only picking my nose.. not eating it! I'm removing germs :p

    Yes, but if you touch a contaminated surface and then stick your finger in your nose before washing it, then you've cross contaminated!
    You just gave that little germ bugger the perfect portal into your unsuspecting body...:tongue:
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    BUT... if the finger never leaves my nose... hehe
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    My rule of thumb has always been if it's above the neck it is OK to work out. If it is below the neck and/or you are running a fever, then REST.

    I agree. Listen to your body
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member
    BUT... if the finger never leaves my nose... hehe

    True
    Gross
    But true...
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    I say no.

    I started out as a sore throat, and bam.. flu by night fall.
  • iceey
    iceey Posts: 354 Member
    No fever here. (Knock on wood).

    I had the flu over New Years and it shut me down for a week. I'm hoping this is just a dumb cold. The weather was very nice this weekend so maybe allergies contributed to it.

    And I'm only picking my nose.. not eating it! I'm removing germs :p

    Maybe you wouldn't get sick if you ate it... http://voices.yahoo.com/nose-picking-theory-eating-nasal-mucus-2457465.html
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    Nah, I'm good lol
  • JusticeGirl25
    JusticeGirl25 Posts: 703 Member
    Whenever I get sick (which is not often, but happens at least couple times a year), I don't have the energy and stamina to work out. And besides, why would you want to go to the gym while you're sick with the cold and get others around you possibly sick? Just stay home and rest. You'll make up for it when you get better.
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