Can I exercise when I am sick?

tim_fitbuilt4life
tim_fitbuilt4life Posts: 301 Member
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
Q: Should you work out when you have a cold? Anything special to keep in mind?

A: The rule of thumb for exercising while sick is called the above/below-the-neck rule. If your symptoms appear above the neck (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat), then yes, you can continue with a low-intensity workout. Studies have shown that exercising at a moderate-intensity level does not intensify cold symptoms or compromise the immune system. Avoid high-intensity exercise, such as heavy weight lifting and high-intensity aerobic training, which has been shown to have a negative impact on the immune system during a cold or any respiratory infection.

If your symptoms are below the neck (diarrhea, intense coughing, vomiting, fever), then the American College of Sports Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest you let your illness run its course before resuming physical activity.

Replies

  • jesster64
    jesster64 Posts: 109
    Great question. I was in week 7 of an 8 week program when I came down with the flu. I emailed my trainer what should i do because I didn't want to lose the progress I had made. He said nothing to do but rest. It took 2 weeks before I could exercise without coughing but muscle memory helped me get back to where I was in no time. Everyone gets sick, consider it Gods plan for giving you a vacation. Gyms and equipment are full of germs. Washing hands and using a towel helps, but it doesn't take much to pass the germs on. I was taking extra vitamins, supplements, and boosting my metabolism and I still got sick.
    One tip though. I go to a great chiropracter. He help my neck pain from all the coughing and re-aligned my sinuses so they drained much better. I didn't know about the above and below the neck rule. Thanks for posting
  • Wakx
    Wakx Posts: 105 Member
    That's good advice. I had a slight intestine disorder in the past couple of days and went to the gym. It went .. oh-kay but I was clearly not as fit as other times. .

    I have also experienced that I cured a cold from sports when I was a teenager. A bad cold was coming up, but I went to do gymnastics all the same. Intense trampoline vaults, run fast, jump, summersault etc. After training, I was back to normal. Totally sweated it out (so it would seem).
  • Wakx
    Wakx Posts: 105 Member
    Ya, THIS one should be added to the advice though:

    IF you decide to work out with a cold, please DO take extra care cleaning up your sweat.
  • jesster64
    jesster64 Posts: 109
    Great point! Probably best to stay out of the gym untill no longer contageous. I sure as hell don't want to work out on a machine that someone just coughed all over.
  • booboocraig
    booboocraig Posts: 21
    I was told that if I feel sick/below par then to rest, as all i would be doing is using up any energy i need to recover
  • EbonyGemstoneHealth
    EbonyGemstoneHealth Posts: 249 Member
    Yep I had above the neck symptoms and just recovering and I was still exercising last week. :)
  • size08
    size08 Posts: 101 Member
    thanks for sharing!:happy:
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    Great post, I agree.

    I must add that if one is taking any medication ( the don't operate heavy equipment kind) it may be best to skip a few workouts. Wouldn't want anyone crashing a stationary bike.

    If you do choose to exercise, make sure you drink your fluids. I've found Pedialite to be awesome. It's like super gatorade.
  • bugnbeansmom
    bugnbeansmom Posts: 292 Member
    I feel better when I just get up and go on about my day. Always have. I have also found that when it is above the neck the workout seems to clear me out. Just take a tissue!
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    Great post, I agree.

    I must add that if one is taking any medication ( the don't operate heavy equipment kind) it may be best to skip a few workouts. Wouldn't want anyone crashing a stationary bike.

    If you do choose to exercise, make sure you drink your fluids. I've found Pedialite to be awesome. It's like super gatorade.

    LOL @ crashing a stationary bike
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