Exercising When Sick: Is it Okay?

You’re finally able to get into that spin class you’ve always wanted to try, but you wake up with a cold. The debate begins of whether or not you should cancel and lose your spot, or go to the spin class and risk feeling worse. What should you do?

Listen to Your Body

Scott Woods MD, a family medicine doctor at Bethesda Family Practice Center recommends, “If the illness is from your throat and up (common cold), it is okay to do a mild to moderate workout. If you have a fever or just feel awful, don’t force yourself.”

Working out with a common cold may also bring you somerelief. When congested, a mild cardio workout forces you to breathe throughyour nose, which opens up your airways to breathing.

Consult with your primary care doctor if you’re taking decongestants for your cold. Some cold medications can increase your heart rate, and the combination of exercise and decongestants can cause your heart to work over time.

“If you have bronchitis, you do not want to exercise,” Dr.Woods says. Exercising with any respiratory illness can cause excessivecoughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Justin Thompson, a personal trainer at the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion, offers a best common cold workout solution.  A mild to moderate workout would include:

• 20-30 minute cardiovascular session
• Avoid strength training
• Walk or lightly jog/run

Take a Rest Day

Both Dr. Woods and Justin suggest if you start feeling bad, takethe day off to rest and hydrate. Pushing your body too far while working outcan cause you to feel worse.You should always consult with your primary caredoctor however just to make sure it’s a good idea to exercise.