Exercise while sick?

[theeedude]

I have a cold this week, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough.
Should I do cardio (bike to work) or lift weights like I usually do?
Or is it better to take it easy and catch up later?

 

[paulxcook]

Would you be working out at a gym? If so, stay home.

 

[meltdown75]

i always liked playing hockey with a cold because somehow kicking the crap out of myself feels better afterwards.

it's probably best to rest though

 

[Safeway]

Don't workout. I had a mild case of the flu about three weeks ago, and the doctor said absolutely no working out. When your body is exhausted, it has no energy to fight infection, etc.

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: paulxcook
Would you be working out at a gym? If so, stay home.

Yes, PLEASE stay home.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

As others have said, skip the weights as your muscles will feel like dump and you won't have a good workout. Plus you'll get others at the gym sick.

Cardio is ok though, as long as you're not going balls to the wall. General rule of thumb is that as long as the problem is above your neck (i.e. head cold and not affecting your lungs), you're ok to exercise. I've gone running with a cold many times, and if you don't go too hard, it's actually beneficial in clearing up a stuffy nose, etc.

If you have a fever or chest congestion, skip all exercising.