Exercise with a cold?

I have a sneaky feeling that I have a cold coming on...my eyes feel gritty, and my throat is scratchy.  So, what I'm wondering is how that might affect my exercise.  I typically go to the gym every day, doing a spinning class daily and strength training 2-3 days a week.  Do I continue to go even with a cold?  Take a OTC cold med before going?  Or, take some time off?  Or maybe workout at home?  Is it rude to show up at the gym with obvious cold symptoms? I hate the idea of anything knocking me off track, but I also want to do what's best for my body and to be considerate of others.  Any advice? Tami

Hiya Tami,       If I only have slight symptoms like you're describing, I usually keep on with my regular program and just add extra water/fruit to help the cold and symptoms.  Cold medicines only suppress the symptoms; they don't treat the cold or prevent anyone from catching it from you (and may prolong how long the cold lasts).     Now if you develop a fever or have an active sneezing/runny nose, then I would spare the other people at the gym for a day or two.  :-)  I don't let a runny nose keep me from working out at home though.      Two side notes...sweat is incredible antiseptic (due to its salt content) and is a major part of our immune system.  So if the part of you that's touching the equipment is sweaty, you're actually leaving very little virulent material anywhere.  And the other thing is that cardio exercise actually boosts the immune system in our nose/respiratory tract because of the increased blood flow.  :-)

Hi Tami The general rule of thumb is - symptoms above the neck, do a light routine.  Below the neck - lungs congested, etc., take it easy, maybe even no workout for a couple days.  As I get older, i have realized if I take it easy the first couple days - low to no activity, I'll be out there bigger and better faster.

If I'm that sick, I'm not eating much anyway, so it's about a break even at that!

Thanks, ya'll!  Good advice!   Tami

Well, what I usually do is make sure that I cleanse the equipment real good after I am done. I think I am correct on this but you are not contagious after the first 24 hours. Maybe someone with a little more medical knowledge could shed light on the stats. You can work out with a cold. Some will just take it a little easier, but they still go. If you feel more comfortable with taking OTC meds then do so and whatvever your doctor had said is ok. I usually take Contact of Alka Seltzer Cold Plus. They are the ones that work the best for me. Chris