Wednesday, January 16, 2013

To Workout or Not Workout....That Is The Question



It is that time of year that it seems like everyone has a cold. Lucky you, you have seemed to "catch" it as well. It can be super aggravating when you have a common cold and not knowing if or how intense you should workout is often a question. When you have the sniffles a spin class may not be the best idea. The best thing you can do is stay flexible with your exercise routine. Know that in general, it is safe to exercise if you have a cold virus. There is no difference in how the body responds to exercising when it is fighting a cold virus. However, if you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, heart disease, or other medical illnesses, you should check with your doctor first, as exercise may worsen an underlying medical problem.

Say yes to exercise if:‪
• You want to and have the energy.‬‪
• Your symptoms are mild, such as just a runny nose.‬‪
• You have bee
n fever-free for 24 hours.
Just say "NO":
• You have a fever.‬‪
• Your body aches.‬‪
• You have a cough.‬‪
• You have flu symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.‬‪
• You have a cold along with chronic health concerns, such as heart disease or asthma.‬

Please know that sweating does not help get rid of a cold! Only rest and staying hydrated will help you get better.
If you do go to the gym when you're sick or recovering,  do everyone else a favor. Please cover your mouth with a facial tissue when you sneeze or cough, or cough into your shoulder — not your bare hands, which are more likely to spread germs. Immediately go wash your hands.

My # 1 piece of advise when it comes to exercising with a cold: listen to your body, and oblige if you think you need a rest day. You’ll be back in Bootcamp class soon enough Sassy Girl.