It’s no secret that colds are no fun. But that’s no reason to ditch your workout routine completely. In other words, sitting on the couch and eating bonbons just might not be the choice that health enthusiasts recommend.
That’s because the old-school belief that exercising while sick is a “no-no” has come and gone. In fact, it’s been replaced by a more modern view that whether or not you work out is really up to you.
These days, many health and fitness experts say that there’s no right or wrong decision as long as you play it safe. Some even say that working out while sick might be a good thing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this is especially true if you have a cold because a little exercise may help clear out your nasal passages. As a result, you might even breathe better in the short term.
At the same time, remember to take care of yourself. "Health comes before fitness, and even though we can't control when we get sick, we can do our part in helping our body recover from illnesses," says certified personal trainer Idalis Velazquez, owner of IV Fitnessin Florida, in an interview with CNN.
When it comes to deciding whether or not to work out while sick, there are factors to take into consideration. Check out these six essential tips.
- Follow the “above the neck” rule.
In the medical world, the above the neck rule can be a determining factor as to whether or not it’s a good decision to work out while you’re sick. According to the Mayo Clinic, this means common cold symptoms found above the neck may give you the A-OK.