returning to exercise after a cold

[Becs]

I acquire a bad head cold last weekend that has prevented me from exercising (largely due to sinus pain and a cough -not chesty). The sinus pain has now abated but the cough is still present, although I finally feel much better. I am desperate to get back into the gym (weights mainly after light rowing to warm up) and I was wondering how long you guys would leave it? I certainly wouldn't cycle up any hills or go for a long run at the moment but I feel desperate to do some exercise!

 

[montage]

Until you aren't snotting everywhere spreading germs

 

[Becs]

Until you aren't snotting everywhere spreading germs

Ha Ha. I'm pretty sure you only shed virus when you're febrile so I should be ok on that front. My boss has just had a similar cold (whole office has it essentially) and the mild cough and snuffling lasted 3 weeks - I can't not exercise for 3 whole weeks!

 

[Biker Joe]

No harm getting back to the gym.
Only you know how your body feels.
Do some gentle workouts, see how you feel and take it from there.
Just don't go in all guns blazing.

 

[derrick]

Just do it, the sooner the better.

 

[Scoosh]

I have heard that it's OK to exercise with a head cold but not if it is in the chest.

Also, when you think you are ready to return ... wait 3 more days (or a week if of a 'more mature vintage')

 

[Herzog]

Ha Ha. I'm pretty sure you only shed virus when you're febrile so I should be ok on that front.

It varies drastically depending on viral 'type'; I wouldn't asume that you're not shedding!

 

[Becs]

It varies drastically depending on viral 'type'; I wouldn't asume that you're not shedding!

True but I probably won't have high viral titres a week or so in. TBH I'm probably still coughing because I'm asthmatic. Did a gentle work out last night (lowered the weights and 2 sets not 3) and felt much better for it; until this morning when I woke up with a blinding headache. Although that may have been because I chose to rehydrate with a bottle of pinot grigio

 

[snorri]

You use phraseology like "shed virus when you're febrile" and "high viral titres" and ask us for advice regarding colds and exercise?


No offence intended, IGMC

 

[Herzog]

True but I probably won't have high viral titres a week or so in.

Indeed, though for some viruses, it only take a few virions to initiate an infection (it's getting a bit Open University round here today).

 

[Stu Smith]

You will know when its time to get back at it...

 

[Becs]

You use phraseology like "shed virus when you're febrile" and "high viral titres" and ask us for advice regarding colds and exercise?


No offence intended, IGMC

Oh yes, I know the biology, but I need a practical perspective - otherwise I'll be off exercise for weeks!

 

[Herzog]

Oh yes, I know the biology, but I need a practical perspective - otherwise I'll be off exercise for weeks!

Give a go; perhaps a small, local loop...? If it all goes a little pear-shaped, it's easy to abandon tail between legs and return home.

 

[400bhp]

I acquire a bad head cold last weekend that has prevented me from exercising (largely due to sinus pain and a cough -not chesty). The sinus pain has now abated but the cough is still present, although I finally feel much better. I am desperate to get back into the gym (weights mainly after light rowing to warm up) and I was wondering how long you guys would leave it? I certainly wouldn't cycle up any hills or go for a long run at the moment but I feel desperate to do some exercise!

Sounds similar to what I had - normally a head cold wouldn't stop me at all, but this also made me very tired.

Just take it easy, making sure you are properly covered up (neck and head too).