"Can I workout with a cold?" Trainer Julie Diamond responds...
I get asked this question every year about this time. There is no foolproof answer but there is a basic rule of thumb (so to speak)- and it's:
The "Neck Rule":
If your symptoms are only above the neck i.e. sniffles, minor sinus pain, sneezing, scratchy throat etc., it is fine to workout if you have normal energy. Although you should adjust your intensity level a bit because your body needs to utilize energy to fight off whatever cold/ailment you have in your system. In addition, be sure to stay hydrated.
If your symptoms are below the neck i.e. chills, muscle aches, fever, dehydrated or any other ailment from the neck down - do not workout. You need to rest - working out will only make it worse! It is a myth that you can "run off" or "sweat out" a cold/flu --- rest, chicken noodle soup & fluids are what you need.
It's important to incorporate common sense here as well --- if you have a really bad headcold, you should consider taking a couple days off from the gym - for your own good as well as those at the gym who do not want to be exposed to your germs.
Health & Happiness!
julie diamond
