I've got a cold - Can I still work out?

N

nocode

New member
Hi,
I caught a cold (no fever) and am coughing way way more. I started taking oral antibiotics last Thurday and have been staying at home to rest and keep warm.
Can I still work out though? I have one of those gym bikes which is what I mostly use to exercise, so I wouldn't have to leave the house.
Thanks for the advice!
 
N

nocode

New member
Hi,
I caught a cold (no fever) and am coughing way way more. I started taking oral antibiotics last Thurday and have been staying at home to rest and keep warm.
Can I still work out though? I have one of those gym bikes which is what I mostly use to exercise, so I wouldn't have to leave the house.
Thanks for the advice!
 
M

mamaScarlett

Active member
I think the endorphins made from exercising are healthy for your immune system, and your mind! But go by how you feel. Start out by modifying your routine a bit.
 
M

mamaScarlett

Active member
I think the endorphins made from exercising are healthy for your immune system, and your mind! But go by how you feel. Start out by modifying your routine a bit.
 
M

Melissa75

Administrator
This is the question I ask myself all the time, especially the past few months. I've run a fever probably 25 out of the last 30 days and been on oral abs for most of these days too. I appear to be viral, bacterial and allergy suffering. The abs lessen the lower lobe issues but not the fever / green mucus, which isn't my baseline / tightness.
I've mostly kept working out. If one Advil every 4-6 hours doesn't cut the chills/aches, then I don't work out though. Like mamaScarlett says, go by how you feel. I'm pretty sure there is benefit to raising your temp with exercise and moving the gunk around, but too much wears out an already stressed body.
 
M

Melissa75

Administrator
This is the question I ask myself all the time, especially the past few months. I've run a fever probably 25 out of the last 30 days and been on oral abs for most of these days too. I appear to be viral, bacterial and allergy suffering. The abs lessen the lower lobe issues but not the fever / green mucus, which isn't my baseline / tightness.
I've mostly kept working out. If one Advil every 4-6 hours doesn't cut the chills/aches, then I don't work out though. Like mamaScarlett says, go by how you feel. I'm pretty sure there is benefit to raising your temp with exercise and moving the gunk around, but too much wears out an already stressed body.
 
I

imported_Momto2

New member
I WOULD! I think this is the MOST important time to work out so the crud doesnt settle in your lungs. That being said, its also critical that you dont tire yourself out too much and get lots of sleep. If you feel up to it, I'd do it!! I've been fighting a nasty cold too. Took a nap then worked out for an hour and feel much much better. : )
 
I

imported_Momto2

New member
I WOULD! I think this is the MOST important time to work out so the crud doesnt settle in your lungs. That being said, its also critical that you dont tire yourself out too much and get lots of sleep. If you feel up to it, I'd do it!! I've been fighting a nasty cold too. Took a nap then worked out for an hour and feel much much better. : )
 
L

Lex

New member
Just a note: exercise will temporarily lower your immune system.

The rule of thumb I always use with my clients is that if the cold is on its way in, lay low and take it easy.
If the cold is on the way out, a good bout of exercise (huffing and puffing) will help clear you out.

One final note: CFers should focus more on high impact cardio. It is true that higher impact is tougher on the joints, but for us, we want that pounding on our bodies to loosen stuff up. So, the bike is OK if you're doing interval type of training--for example, going fast for 60 seconds followed by 2 minutes of a slower pace. During the fast pace, you will create an oxygen deficit in your muscles, so when you go slower, you lungs will have to work extra hard to replenish your muscles with oxygen--resulting in increased frequency and depth of each breath---both will help you clear the lungs.
If you only have access to a bike, then go for it. But if given other options, pound those CF lungs into the ground!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Hope this helps!
 
L

Lex

New member
Just a note: exercise will temporarily lower your immune system.

The rule of thumb I always use with my clients is that if the cold is on its way in, lay low and take it easy.
If the cold is on the way out, a good bout of exercise (huffing and puffing) will help clear you out.

One final note: CFers should focus more on high impact cardio. It is true that higher impact is tougher on the joints, but for us, we want that pounding on our bodies to loosen stuff up. So, the bike is OK if you're doing interval type of training--for example, going fast for 60 seconds followed by 2 minutes of a slower pace. During the fast pace, you will create an oxygen deficit in your muscles, so when you go slower, you lungs will have to work extra hard to replenish your muscles with oxygen--resulting in increased frequency and depth of each breath---both will help you clear the lungs.
If you only have access to a bike, then go for it. But if given other options, pound those CF lungs into the ground!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Hope this helps!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top