Pregnancy & Baby Index: Pregnancy - Fitness: If I have a cold, should I still exercise?
If I have a cold, should I still exercise?
Lisa Stone
Feeling a little under the weather? Think you still have it in you to exercise? Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, has some advice for you before you head to the gym with a cold.
Your question
If I have a cold, should I still exercise?
The expert answers
It really depends on how badly you're feeling. Sometimes,
exercise can reduce the symptoms of a cold, such as a stuffy
nose, and actually make you feel better. If you have a fever,
though, exercise is out of the question until 24 hours after the
fever breaks.
If you're taking medication for your cold, be sure that you drink
plenty of water during your workout to stay well hydrated. If
the medication causes drowsiness, then adjust your workout so
that you aren't performing any exercises with heavy weights or
exercises that require perfect balance.
If you feel worse after you exercise, then put a hold on exercise until your cold is cured.