So you have a cold and are confused whether to work out with it or not? Then you have come to the right place. This article shares some insights on whether one should work out with a head cold or not.
Well, according to health experts, it is all right for a person to exercise with a head cold. Exercising, in general, is beneficial for good health. Exercising helps one improve the fitness levels by strengthening the immune system, which help you fight the bacteria and viral infections. But, overworking your body when you are not well can weaken your body further. So, moderation is the key when it comes to working out with a head cold.
Exercises to Perform With Head Cold
Though exercising with head cold is all right, not all the workouts are safe. There are certain workouts that can worsen your cold. Given below is a list of exercises that one can perform with a head cold.
Walking or Brisk Walking
Walking is one of the safest pick when it comes to working out with a cold. A nice brisk walk not only is a good exercise but it also helps you feel fresh and better while having a cold. But remember that you must wear warm clothing if you are having a walk in the cold outdoors. Also remember not to walk more than 45 minutes a day to keep the immune system stronger.
Yoga
If you practice yoga daily, you can continue it even when suffering from mild head cold. Yoga along with meditation and breathing exercises can actually help you ease out the nasal muscles and respiratory congestion which can provide you with some relief from the cold symptoms. But with yoga too, remember not to perform intense asanas that can make your feel weaker instead go for simple and easy ones.
Running or Jogging
If you have a run down feeling along with sore throat then it is advisable to go for a jog or small sprint which will not only make you feel refreshed but will also help you distract the mind from the mild headache or body pain. But again, do not overstretch yourself. Go for running only if you have the usual energy levels to exercise. Also avoid running for longer, say more than twenty to thirty minutes and also do not run in windy or cold outdoors.
Exercises to Avoid With Head Cold
As mentioned above, there are some forms of exercises that can make your cold worse and hence, it is essential to avoid them. Given below are some of the exercises that you must stay away from while suffering from head cold.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the exercises that you should stay away from while suffering from cold. First reason is that swimming in cold water can contribute to your cold by reducing the body temperature and congesting your chest further. Plus, you do not want to accumulate some more bacteria and infections by dipping yourself in public swimming pool.
Weight Training
Some research studies have proved that intense strength training with head cold can weaken the immune system of a person and aggravate the symptoms of head cold, such as, sore nasal discharge, chest congestion, headache, and mild fever, etc. Hence, when you are suffering from head cold it is better to strength train under the guidance of your fitness trainer. Also avoid taking extremely heavy weights and go for low weights and workout only for few minutes.
These were two of the most important exercises that you must avoid while suffering from head cold. Given below are some of the tips that would help you exercise safely with head cold and will also keep you fit at the same time.
- If the head cold is coupled with chest congestion, do not exercise.
- Avoid exercising if the head cold is associated with fever.
- In case the head cold is teamed with respiratory infections, it is better to rest and not exercise.
- Avoid working out in public places where your chances of catching infections are more.
With these tips you are sure to follow a good and healthy work out regimen even while suffering from head cold. Balanced diet along with simple home remedies for head cold can help you get rid of head cold. So, moderate workout with head cold is permissible provided you rest and eat adequately.