Student Wellness Tip of the Week: Exercising With a Cold...
11/15/11
Contributed by Nancy Reynolds
We're told to rest when we are sick..But what about when we just have a cold? Our workout regimens don't necessarily have to be interrupted just because we have a slight cold. However, knowing if you have a cold or the flu is important before you get back into the gym, since working out and other stressors can increase recovery time. Have a fever? You're better off NOT working out. If you just have a runny nose and/or slight cough, working out may actually help you fight off the infection.
It is generally okay to continue working out if your symptoms are above the neck:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Mild sore throat
In other cases, where symptoms are below the neck, you may want to hold off from your exercise regimen. These symptoms include:
- Chest congestion
- Hacking cough
- Nausea or upset stomach
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Body and muscle aches
Here are some tips to use while working out with a cold:
- If you experience shortness or breath, stop working out and sit down- your body is telling you something!
- Try using the elliptical on a low resistance instead of running if you're recovering from a cold. It will get your arms and legs moving in a gentler way.
- Exercise helps boost immune function to fight simple infections like colds, so don't feel you have to sit in your room under a blanket all day- Move around!
- If you have an obvious fever and muscle aches, take a day or two off and see how you feel after that.
- If you have asthma and a cold, make sure you talk with your health care provider before you exercise. If your asthma symptoms worsen with your cold, use caution while exercising. Be sure to have appropriate asthma medication readily available.
- Cold medications like decongestants can increase your heart rate. The combination of exercise and decongestants may cause your heart to pump extra hard, which can cause shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Check out this website for more information regarding asthma and working out.
- DISINFECT the equipment when you are finished using it. Don't spread your cold onto others PLEASE!
For more information regarding working out with colds, click here to visit the Center for Health Promotion's website on Cold and Flu advice. Stay healthy this holiday season IC!
Submitted by: Maria Behrens '12
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