Can I exercise if I have a cold?

In general it isn’t recommended that one works out while they’re feeling ill. Exercise is controlled stress on the body that it must recover from for the hours or even days following. If your body is devoting its resources to recovering from a cold, don’t exercise and give it yet another thing to recover from. Let your immune system work at full strength to battle the cold and hit the gym once you are well. You’ll probably be back to your old workouts sooner if you get adequate rest anyway.

Yes and no, it all depends on the severity and the symptoms. As a rule, I never exercise when I have a fever or a chest cold. If the symptoms are above the neck (a head cold) and do not include fever, you can stay with your exercise program. I recommend lowering the intensity and the duration as a safety precaution.
It is critical to eat right, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to ensure proper recovery. If you are on the fence, my suggestion would be to take it easy for a few days and resume when your body tells you it's ready.

Exercising with minor cold symptoms is relatively safe, particularly if your symptoms are above the neck (such as a stuffy nose). However, it is extremely important to listen to your body, reduce the intensity and duration of your workouts, and stay properly hydrated. In addition, certain cold medications can elevate your heart rate. An elevated heart rate also occurs during exercise. The combination of exercise and cold medications (decongestants) causes your heart to pump very hard, and may cause shortness of breath.

It is not recommended to exercise if you have increased chest congestion, coughing or wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, or dizziness.

Actually, exercising when you have a cold is good for you. Your sinuses will clear faster and you’ll be boosting your immune system. However, if you have the flu or an infection such as bronchitis, you are better off taking a few days’ rest. Be sure to check with your doctor, especially if you have asthma or other health concerns. Even so, don’t avoid regular stretching in between desk work or naps, and make up your mind that you’ll get right back to your regular exercise schedule the minute you feel better.

Sometimes it's hard to know whether working out could make a minor sore throat or the sniffles worse. Luckily, there's a rule of thumb you can follow. In her book “Outdoor Fitness,” exercise expert Tina Vindum recommends an above-the-neck check.

Here's How It Works:

"If your symptoms are from the neck up, ask yourself: 'Do I feel like working out?'" recommends Vindum. If the answer is yes, then go for it. But if your symptoms are all below the neck, it's difficult to breathe, your chest feels tight, or you're wheezing and coughing -- don't exercise. Give yourself a break and rest up.

Give Colds the Cold Shoulder. The best way to keep your fitness routine intact? Avoid a cold in the first place. Try these immune-boosting tips:

• Get your ZZZs. You'll be saying nite-nite to colds.
• Eat yogurt. It helps stop a cold short.
• Move your feet. A 45-minute walk 5 days a week can reduce your risk of catching a cold.
• Be positive. Colds hate an inner glow.

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Experts from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) say that a mild cold shouldn't keep you from exercising. On the contrary, if your cold hasn't reached your chest, a moderate workout, such as a brisk walk, may help you feel better. Of course, the best way to avoid getting sick is to engage in regular physical activity in the first place.