Should I Exercise When I Have A Cold Or Flu?

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   ngurecoposted 14 years ago

   Should I Exercise When I Have A Cold Or Flu?

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   Super Hub Starposted 14 years ago

   Nope. Exercising can actually affect the immune the system. This is why elite athletes have a higher chance of catching a cold. You best of to rest and then get back to training when you're better.

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   fitness trainingposted 14 years ago

   I agree with the Super Hub Star.  You shouldn't be exercising when you are sick.
   
   The bottom line is that your body needs all of it's nutrient stores to get you back to a health state.

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   Choke Franticposted 14 years ago

   I think you should. I know that when I get sick I end up with cramped legs and random pains from being couped up in bed all day. Usually going for a walk helps this, and doesn't seem to make my cold or flu worse. Whatever makes you feel better!

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   Coach Albertposted 14 years ago

   The guideline that has worked for me is if it's above the neck (sniffles, no fever) you can workout and it might even clear you up. However, if it's in your chest (Cough, fever, hard to breathe) STAY HOME! Even if you feel pretty much ok you could have walking pneumonia. So uncontrollable cough means get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and see your doctor if it lasts more than a week. You can make yourself worse, and spread the illness around which the other gym goers and especially the trainers will really not appreciate. Intense exercise can temporarily inhibit your immune system keep that in mind when you're deciding what to do.

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   whatifbagposted 14 years ago

   I am a runner and I definitely say yes with one conditon.  If you have a fever the answer is NO, do not exercise.  If you have a common cold on the other hand, then mild to moderate exercise is actually a good thing. Especially if you can do it outside.  Exercise can help loosen up congestion and aid your body in detox.  Drink plenty of water and take vitamin C.  You my find you actually have a clearer head and get a bit of an energy boost.  It's always worse at night so take advantage of the day light hours and go out and get some fresh air.  Laying around being inactive only makes you tired. Oh and a nice glass of green or white tea afterwards is heavenly!  Whatifbag.com

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   A.Lawrenceposted 14 years ago

   Although regular exercise helps maintain a healthy immune system, vigorous exercise temporarily suppresses it, so if you already have something attacking the immune system it has a better chance of getting hold.

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   ratnaveeraposted 14 years ago

   Better to avoid exercise when you are suffering from cold or flu as it is capable making the condition serious. After getting cured cold or flu, you can follow exercise to maintain your good health. According to my experience we should be in control on doing exercise. Over straining should be avoided.

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   apricotmousseposted 14 years ago

   I think that you should rest because this is the time that your body is recuperating from the disease.

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    lilmnstrposted 14 years ago

    Excercising while sick can make it harder to stay hydrated. You need to stay hydrated especially when you are sick.

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    Sue Adamsposted 13 years ago

    If it doesn't give you a headache you can exercise when you have a cold.  A good sweat will help to kill the cold but wrap up warm afterwards. Not sure about the flu as.

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    lanealaneaposted 13 years ago

    Absolutely, so long that your body can physically handle it. Washing hands and keeping your body moving through exercise along with some added rest can really make a difference. Lanea

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    dabeanerposted 13 years ago

    An article posted at my gym says no.  Essentially you need your resources to fight off the germs or viruses.

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    deancortez044posted 13 years ago

    There is no one definitive answer here.  It all depends on the severity of cold.  The more severe the more you need to rest and lots of fluids.  But as mentioned by many if it is not severe moderate exercise with lots of fluids is ok.  The real key here in my opinion is moderation.

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    Lula Blummzposted 13 years ago

    This depends on where you are at with the cold...if you are in the stages of headaches, achiness, difficulty breathing, then rest, drink fluids, oregano oil or echinacea, Vitamin C to boost immune system; hot teas and soups to get things moving, and hot baths to soothe body. Once you get to the stage where phlegm is flowing...couging it up or running out the nose, as long as the headaches are gone and there is no fever, mild exercise will speed up the healing process. Just be sure to take it easy and give your body the reat and fluids it needs after.

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    White Sapphireposted 13 years ago

    When I have a cold, even nasty ones I find that gentle, low intensity exercise helps me feel better.  If you're running a fever then it's best to stay home and rest.

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    docashpposted 6 years ago

    You can skip your gym workout if you have cold or flu.Taking rest  good heathy diet   plenty of fluids and antipyretics will help you to recover fast and resume your work out as per schedule.

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