Should You Workout if You’re Feeling Sick?

I did not go to the gym on Monday. Normally, I really prefer to go on a Monday morning. I feel that it sets the tone for the whole week – starting things off on the right foot as it were. But I didn’t go. I didn’t go because the cold that has been threatening and looming over my head for what feels like months finally decided to make its presence known in force on Sunday. So I decided to rest instead. This time, it was the right call. I slept in, and woke up on Monday morning feeling better, if still congested.

That said, there have been times where I’ve been sick and I’ve gone and worked out anyway. I’ve found that going for a run outside when it’s cold out and I’ve got a head cold sounds like a horrible idea, but between the weather and the exercise, it does wonders for my sinuses.

So how do you know whether you should rest or power through when you’re feeling a bit under the weather? Here are some tips:

1. Do NOT exercise if you have a fever. Just don’t. Get some fluids and go back to bed.
2. If your symptoms lie above your neck: sniffling, sneezing, nasal congestion, some light cardio can help clear out the pipes some.
3. If you have symptoms in your lungs: chest congestion, a “wet” cough, wheezing, then you are better served by resting; exerting yourself will just exacerbate your symptoms.
4. Listen to what your body tells you. If you feel achy and absolutely miserable, REST! If you are feeling stubborn and refuse to feel sick, and feel “okay” except for that one nagging symptom that just will not go away, then feel free to get in a workout, but try to keep it light and easy.
5. Wipe down EVERYTHING. If you do hit the gym, be sure to wipe down any equipment you touch with anti-bacterial wipes (your gym should provide these) so you don’t spread your germs to anyone else!

Hopefully you’ll be back to normal in no time! If you’ve got a question about working out while ill, or anything else, let me know!