Should I Exercise If I Have a Cold?

You wake up in the morning with a runny nose and a sore throat. Should you keep your workout plans or draw the line and stay home?

As a general rule, mild to moderate physical activity won’t hurt you if you have a normal cold with no fever. In fact, exercise can help alleviate cold symptoms by clearing nasal congestion.

However, you should stay home if you have “below the neck” symptoms, like chest congestion, a hacking cough, or an upset stomach. If you have a fever or muscle aches you’re better off on the couch than the treadmill.

Remember to listen to your body. If you feel awful, take a break from exercise. If you have a common cold and think some activity might help you feel free to workout, but reduce the intensity and length of your session so that you don’t risk more serious injury or illness.

When in doubt check with your doctor!

Source: Mayo Clinic “Exercise and Illness”