Should one exercise with a cold? The general belief is if you exercise, you boost your immune system, and the chances of recovering from a cold are higher. Dr Lisa Bernstein, assistant professor of Medicine at Emory University, says that it's fine to exercise if you feel up to it, but you must bear in mind that the cold virus is easily transmitted through sneezing or coughing, so care should be taken when exercising in public.
Cause of the Common Cold
According to an article on ABC News Health, colds are the most common infectious disease in the United States, and the rhinovirus is responsible for most strains of common cold. People with colds are contagious for the first few days of infection, and unlike a bacterial infection, a viral infection does not respond to antibiotics as a treatment form. In the case of a common cold, the body is left to cure itself through plenty of rest and liquids.
Exercising With a Cold
Joni Hyde is a certified personal trainer and owner of Workouts For Women. According to her, the most common way to decide if you are up to working out is by doing a "neck check." If your cold symptoms are located all above the neck such as sniffling, sneezing, sinus congestion and mild headaches, you may be able to carry on a low- to medium-intensity workout or exercise schedule. If the symptoms are below the neck, such as diarrhea, fever and chest congestion, you should give exercising a miss.
Modifying Exercise
The best way to exercise when suffering from a cold is by modifying your routine to keep it light and easy. In pushing yourself to work harder, you will force your body to overwork itself, making recovery all the more challenging. According to Dr. Daryl Rosenbaum, director of Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, people with colds should begin their workouts at a 50 percent intensity and gradually increase it as they see fit. In addition, it's important to increase fluid intake as nasal drainage associated with colds can lead to dehydration.
Gym Etiquette
Germs can be transmitted through area surface and the air, so when exercising in the gym, be sure to wipe down surfaces before and after use. If you are perspiring, coughing, or sneezing, it may be time to excuse yourself from public areas until you feel better. Similarly, using your own personal towel and water bottles will help reduce the risk of infection spreading.
Exercising To Prevent Colds
In a study reported by the American College of Sports Medicine, it was found that 61 percent of 700 recreational runners reported fewer colds since they began their running regimen. The immune system can get a positive boost from mild to moderate regular exercise, and this may help prevent colds. Exercise and a well-balanced diet can only serve to create a stronger, healthier body.
