Should you work out with a cold?
As winter settles in, so do the things we love about this season: cosy nights under thick blankets, a warm cup of tea in hand, and the festive glow of holiday lights. But just as you’re settling into these comforts, you might find yourself reaching for tissues, battling a scratchy throat or trying to shake off lingering fatigue — yes, winter also brings some unwelcome guests in the form of colds and flu.
These pesky viruses never seem to show up at a good time, do they? Whether you’re deep into the holiday spirit or just rocking your gym routine (or, at least, thinking about it), a cold always manages to sneak in and derail everything. And with it comes the inevitable question: should you work out with a cold and a sniffly nose, or is it wiser to give your body a break? Stick around to find out what’s best for you and those around you.
What’s the difference between a cold and the Flu?
One of the first things you should do before considering if you should go to the gym if you’re feeling under the weather is to understand the difference between a cold and the flu. These two conditions can look similar but affect the body very differently.
Colds are softer than the Flu. Plus, symptoms are usually described as “above-the-neck”: runny or stuffy nose, sneezes or a scratchy throat. Usually, these symptoms are light and manageable.
The Flu (short for Influenza) is also an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses, as the name so clearly states. Unlike the cold, this illness brings what we call “whole-body” symptoms: fever, chills, body aches, and chest congestion, all of these are common flu manifestations, on top of which is fatigue.
Should you work out with a cold?
The answer is: depends. With the Flu, working out is generally a bad idea, as your body needs energy to fight off the virus, and strenuous activity can make you feel worse or prolong recovery.
With a cold, however, since its symptoms are more moderate, light exercise, like walking or stretching, might even help relieve mild congestion by boosting blood flow.
Nonetheless, there is another crucial consideration: the health of those around you. Both colds and flu are contagious, especially early on, and gyms can be high-risk environments for spreading germs. If you’re coughing, sneezing, or dealing with any fever, it’s best to avoid these spaces and spare others the exposure.
In summary, the rule of thumb is if your symptoms are mild and above the neck, light exercise might be okay. However, if you’re feeling significant fatigue, chest congestion, fever, or body aches, it’s best to skip the workout and focus on recovery, while keeping your germs to yourself.
