Going to the Gym with a stuffy nose?

jsteinwandt
jsteinwandt Posts: 7
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
Should you go to the gym when your semi sick? I've got a stuffy nose and have been sneezing a lot. Should I stay home and relax or can I go to the gym?? What are your thoughts on this?!?!
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Replies

  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    Sure I do all the time. Just don't sneeze on anyone or the machines or you might get dirty looks xD
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    If you feel up to it, go.
  • LelliAmi
    LelliAmi Posts: 327 Member
    yeah. just take some otrivin and drink some green tea with lemon, honey and ginger afterward to avoid getting more sick.
  • nalliebell
    nalliebell Posts: 61 Member
    hi there, I personally only DON'T workout when I have a fever. I have worked out with cough and sneezy nose. Listen to your body, take care xoxo
  • Alexdur85
    Alexdur85 Posts: 255 Member
    All we ask is you sanitize the machines.. please!
  • Lift_hard_eat_big
    Lift_hard_eat_big Posts: 2,278 Member
    I stay home and get the rest, pIus I don't wanna be a jerk and get someone eIse sick
  • rlysrh
    rlysrh Posts: 244
    I had a blocked nose and kept sneezing a couple of weeks ago so I skipped going to the gym for the weekend. I felt like I was just making up excuses but looking back I think I did the right thing. I'd have been tired as soon as I set foot on a machine, and I'd be out of breath 5 times as fast if I couldn't breath through my nose. Also you don't want to spread germs.
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    a stuffy nose can hang on long after you're past being contagious. I say suck it up, buttercup!
  • Just_Dot
    Just_Dot Posts: 2,283 Member
    I've been congested since Sunday and I've done weights, cardio, and yoga--all of it makes me feel better. Try a neti pot, too--those suckers really work!
  • sarahnicole218
    sarahnicole218 Posts: 66
    If it's just a minor symptom...go for it! I find that working our often helps me feel better and help fight other cold symptoms. Of course, thoroughly wipe down any machines you use and don't push yourself too hard!
  • Gabriall
    Gabriall Posts: 101 Member
    I do .. and if I hit it right basically work it out nicely.... but if your achie and its gone beyound just a couple of sneezes and a blocked nose.. take it easy the energy you use in the gym your body may need to start up the healing process and if you use it in the gym you may well just extend your illness.

    judgment call :) I had a stuffy nose couple weeks ago and successfully beat it to death.
  • savlyon
    savlyon Posts: 474 Member
    The rule of thumb is that anything above the neck is fine, but below the neck, stay home.
    I prefer to run out my viruses and I don't get sick often. If you have lung or stomach issues, do not exercise. Since it is just a nose thing---some sweat will do you good. HOWEVER, if you have a fever you are contagious, so stay home.
  • Pollywog39
    Pollywog39 Posts: 1,730 Member
    .......yah, and pass your sh!tty germs to everyone else.......

    Just another reason to NOT go to the gym.
  • PlunderBunneh
    PlunderBunneh Posts: 1,705 Member
    Usually makes me feel a bunch better. It's harder to get out the door when you're feeling a bit congested, but working out really will make you feel 110% better.
    If you have a cough though, stay home.
    Please, make sure to well sanitize the machines you use.
  • RAFValentina
    RAFValentina Posts: 1,231 Member
    Just make sure you wipe down the eqpt properly to not x-infect... if you have symptoms below the neck... so chest infections, for your own good its best to rest up and probs see your doc too. :) Hope that helps. x
  • Gabriall
    Gabriall Posts: 101 Member
    The rule of thumb is that anything above the neck is fine, but below the neck, stay home.

    THAT was the thing I was trying to remember :)
  • karinaes
    karinaes Posts: 570 Member
    I stay home and get the rest, pIus I don't wanna be a jerk and get someone eIse sick
    i was just thinking this myself!
  • significance
    significance Posts: 436 Member
    I agree with those who have said, "if you feel up to it, go." I get my exercise outside rather than in a gym. The only thing I change is that if I'm unwell, I don't exercise in the rain. When I'm well, I go outside and get my exercise regardless of the weather. If I'm a little sick, I do find it slows me down, and I don't push myself too much. I try to put in the same amount of effort rather than putting in more effort to get the same result. I might end up doing a brisk walk instead of jogging, and cycle slower than I otherwise would, but that's okay.
  • WillieEverlearn
    WillieEverlearn Posts: 87 Member
    This is why you wipe down the machines/equipment after you use them.

    Also why you should wipe them down BEFORE you use them. Because there will always be people who aren't good wipers. And invariably, they will be the ones who used the machine right before you.
  • thunt1990
    thunt1990 Posts: 157 Member
    I do it everytime im sick unless i feel really exhausted. My policy is to go in the gym and sweat out all those germs. Works for me and makes my colds only last a few days. Just make sure to use the sanitizer :) Feel better
  • auntiebabs
    auntiebabs Posts: 1,754 Member
    Just read an article about how LIGHT EXERCISE increase the immune system.

    The key they said was NOT to increase your heart rate significantly.
    So a little stretching or light weight work would be good, but not a day to go full tilt.

    Plus:
    don't ... be a jerk and get someone eIse sick.
    Maybe some stretching at home, if you do go to the gym remember to use the sanitizer on anything you touch.

    Oh, and feel better :flowerforyou:
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    Yep! It'll help you! If it's in the chest, take time to rest. If it's in your head, go ahead! That's the rule, ideally. If you can't function, then leave. At least you tried. I usually don't run when I'm stuffy, 'cause the impact hurts my head, but you can always try.
  • Freshstart07
    Freshstart07 Posts: 12 Member
    no you shouldn't go to the gym but you should still get out and expercise if you can. Run around the block walk up and down stairs in a building but be considerate of others. You wouldn't want to catch a cold at the gym from someone else would you? I know you not thinking of it as a you over them deal and your thing that if you are careful it won't effect others but the truth is it might.
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    I stay home and get the rest, pIus I don't wanna be a jerk and get someone eIse sick
    i was just thinking this myself!
    this!

    LOTS of options to workout at home, outdoors etc. Weights, running in place if it's too icy outside. Run the steps, pop in a video...

    The last thing any of us need is to get sick from another member.

    Or at the least do as many have shared, REALLY be courteous about cleaning down those machines, more than you typically would on a workout session.

    Personally I believe in rest and keeping it at home... so much can be done at home if you're not able to get the gym at other times, give it a shot!:wink::drinker:
  • ncahill77
    ncahill77 Posts: 501 Member
    If you don't feel bad and don't have a fever but are only congested then definitely go, something about moving actually makes that crap start breaking up and you'll be able to breathe better not too far into your workout.
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    I stay home and get the rest, pIus I don't wanna be a jerk and get someone eIse sick

    ^This.
  • kristelpoole
    kristelpoole Posts: 440 Member
    STAY HOME.

    Because when people go anyway - to the gym, to work, etc - people like ME get sick (like right now). Hmph.
  • msjamartin
    msjamartin Posts: 148
    There are so many stages to colds. Usually I have a day or two that I'm useless (those are stay at home days/take sick days etc) but when I get to the point that I feel fine but simply have that left-over crud I "ignore" it and keep everything normal. I carry sanitized hand cleanser, I sanitize machines and I workout in a corner (if there is one). Last cold I found that I was able to get over it faster than in the past. Whether due to my new health or due to working out or what but other than a lazy weekend I was able to keep my schedule normal.
  • directorj
    directorj Posts: 537 Member
    I carry a hand sanitizer to the gym because of sick people. I say just take a break and enjoy a few days off
  • marz31
    marz31 Posts: 159 Member
    Yep! It'll help you! If it's in the chest, take time to rest. If it's in your head, go ahead! That's the rule, ideally. If you can't function, then leave. At least you tried. I usually don't run when I'm stuffy, 'cause the impact hurts my head, but you can always try.

    This is what I live by. a fever keeps me home for sure, but if it's just a head cold, if I feel up to it, I'm there.
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