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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!!