The Golden Rules of Exercising With a Cold

Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing with a cold, but light to moderate activity can help you to feel better, according to doctors. The rule of thumb is that if your symptoms are above the neck – sneezing, coughing, stuffed-up nose – it’s safe to break a sweat. If your symptoms are flu-like or below the neck, like nausea, hold off the exercise completely, advises the American College on Exercise. If you decide a little exercise is just what the doctor ordered then here are some of the dos and don’ts of working out with a cold: Do

• • Walk. Walking can open your airways and help you breathe.
  • Run. Running is a natural de-congestant too, but hold off on the marathon training. Research has found that prolonged exercise of 1.5 hours will compromise your immune system for up to 24 hours afterwards.
  • Yoga. Yoga gently stretches aches and pains away, and may lower cortisol levels produced when your body fights a cold.

Don’t

• • Don’t go for a dip. Chlorinated water can irritate skin and eyes, and is a good way to spread germs.
  • Don’t get too adventurous. Outdoor activities in the cold like biking which will dry your airways.
  • Don’t share it around. Keep away from team sports – no one wants your cold.