Summer Colds Are Evil

Yep, it's almost August, which means I'm due for a cold. I typically get a cold around my birthday/at the end of summer and around the winter holidays. Well, it's July 31 and last night the evil summer cold hit me like a Mac Truck!

Since I'm going to Chicago on Thursday for 4 days and won't have a gym that I can go to, I knew I had to get to the gym today. However, nasal congestion doesn't really motivate one to hop on the treadmill. I remember hearing once that exercising even while you're sick, can help you get better. So I went to the gym, did a 40 minute walk on the treadmill at a much slower pace than I usually do, but for longer and on an incline. I survived and I feel good that I did it. Any workout is better than no workout in my mind.

Once I got home I looked up articles about exercising while sick, here's what I found:

Prevention Magazine: "The rule I like to use is called the "neck check." If your symptoms are all above the neck, like a runny nose or a sore throat, then you're okay to exercise. Of course you should always listen to your body and take the intensity of your workout down a bit if your regular pace feels too strenuous.

If you're suffering from congestion or low energy, exercise often helps you feel better. A brisk walk can unclog your sinuses better than an afternoon on the couch. And gentle exercise will rev up your circulation, to counteract that sluggish, rundown feeling. But this is definitely a personal decision. You're the best judge of how you feel and what your body can handle when you're sick.

However, if you have any symptoms below the neck, such as body aches, chills, stomach problems or diarrhea, then I advise you to take it easy until you're feeling better. And if you're running a fever, no matter where your symptoms are, put off exercising until your temperature returns to normal."

Mayo Clinic:

"Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

As a general guide for exercise and illness, consider this:

Mild to moderate physical activity is usually OK if you have a garden-variety cold and no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

• Exercise is usually OK if your signs and symptoms are all "above the neck" — symptoms you may have with a common cold, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing or minor sore throat. Consider reducing the intensity and length of your workout, though, or you may feel worse. Instead of going for a run, take a walk, for example.
• Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are "below the neck" — such as chest congestion, hacking cough or upset stomach.
• Don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.

Let your body be your guide. If you have a cold and feel miserable, take a break. Scaling back or taking a few days off from exercise when you're sick shouldn't affect your performance. Resume your normal workout routine gradually as you begin to feel better. And check with your doctor if you aren't sure if it's OK to exercise.

Remember if you do choose to exercise when you're sick, reduce the intensity and length of your workout. If you attempt to exercise at your normal intensity when you have more than a simple cold, you could risk more serious injury or illness."

Here's hoping that I'm actually opening my nasal passages and helping my body to clear faster! Even though I did go to the gym while feeling less than stellar, I'm still going to feed into my need for comfort food and have some ice cream while lounging on the couch!