To exercise or not exercise? For someone who has a common cold, that is often the question. Should I exercise when I have a cold?
While it may make you feel good on a regular day to go through a run or a salsa class, it may not seem the best idea when you have snuff and coughs. It is essential to be flexible with the training routine.
Colds and exercise
Research has shown that it is safe to exercise when someone has a cold virus in general. The body responds the same way to exercise when it fights a cold virus.
Exercising with a cold or flu is unlikely to cause complications if you have other medical problems. However, suppose you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, heart disease, or other medical conditions.
One benefit of exercising with a cold is that a workout can break up the overload if you are generally well-hydrated. However, congestion can be exacerbated if you are dehydrated. Moderate exercise will not prolong the disease or worsen the symptoms, but it can not shorten them.
When you can exercise with a cold
When you have a cold, the most important thing is to listen to your own body. You can exercise if:
- You want and have the energy.
- Your symptoms are mild, such as a runny nose.
- You have been fever-free for 24 hours.
When you should not exercise
Avoid training when:
- You have a fever.
- You have a cough—your body aches.
- You have flu symptoms.
- You have a cold with chronic health problems, such as heart disease or asthma.
Although you may think you can sweat from a cold, the opposite is true. Resting and staying hydrated by drinking fluids is essential to help you get better.
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