Should you workout while you have a cold? Find out
Oct 31, 2019, 14:30 IST
As the weather starts experiencing a slight nip, people start experiencing a cost. Thanks to the rampant pollution and bad air quality, things have taken a turn for the worse. Everyone seems to suffer from a sore throat, a runny nose, tiredness.
While these minor infections can easily be dealt with a little care along with the routine, for fitness bugs who like sticking to their routine, it might just their worst nightmare. Many fitness buffs do not seem to enjoy even the thought of missing out a workout. Since cough and cold are often considered a minor infection, some even consider working out in such condition. However is it really helpful? Read on to find out!
However, these things can be dependent on the type of symptoms one is experiencing. If most of your symptoms are associated above the neck, i.e. you suffer from congestion, stuffy nose or sneezing or jaw pain, you can still consider working out (only if you take proper care). These are considered to be minor symptoms and can usually be battled with decongestant and cold medicine. Doing moderate or light activity can actually help open up the nasal passageways, making you feel better.
However, if you do suffer from aggravated symptoms of a cold (which turn into a respiratory infection) such as vomiting, cough, congestion, shortness of breath, tightness or lugging pain in the chest, it is best advised that you sit out your turn at the gym. Not only do you carry a higher risk of spreading nasty germs and viruses, but you are also overworking your body which is clearly tired and needs ample rest. This also extends to headaches, body aches, fevers, and chills. Stressing your body will make it a little more difficult to recover and also bring on additional problems like dehydration, fatigue, and dizzy spells.
While these minor infections can easily be dealt with a little care along with the routine, for fitness bugs who like sticking to their routine, it might just their worst nightmare. Many fitness buffs do not seem to enjoy even the thought of missing out a workout. Since cough and cold are often considered a minor infection, some even consider working out in such condition. However is it really helpful? Read on to find out!
However, these things can be dependent on the type of symptoms one is experiencing. If most of your symptoms are associated above the neck, i.e. you suffer from congestion, stuffy nose or sneezing or jaw pain, you can still consider working out (only if you take proper care). These are considered to be minor symptoms and can usually be battled with decongestant and cold medicine. Doing moderate or light activity can actually help open up the nasal passageways, making you feel better.
However, if you do suffer from aggravated symptoms of a cold (which turn into a respiratory infection) such as vomiting, cough, congestion, shortness of breath, tightness or lugging pain in the chest, it is best advised that you sit out your turn at the gym. Not only do you carry a higher risk of spreading nasty germs and viruses, but you are also overworking your body which is clearly tired and needs ample rest. This also extends to headaches, body aches, fevers, and chills. Stressing your body will make it a little more difficult to recover and also bring on additional problems like dehydration, fatigue, and dizzy spells.