Achoo! Does this mean you can skip the gym today? © Cover Media
Your nose is red raw, your sneezing has been annoying the whole office and your throat feels like sandpaper - hardly the way you want to feel when you hit the gym. But could getting up and moving help you feel better sooner, or should your nose be the only thing that's running?
According to precisionnutrition.com, there's a big difference between working out and moving around. The former puts the body under stress, while the latter is much easier to handle.
When we're fit and well, this stress is something we can embrace and builds up our fitness levels in the long run. But when we're under the weather, it could be too much for our immune system to cope with.
It's advisable to stick to an easier workout, which could actually have a positive impact on your body and help you fight the sniffles off sooner. Going for a walk outside, riding a bike at a leisurely pace or even gardening could all be beneficial when you have a cold and may even boost your immunity.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. What some people can handle might be too much for others with a lower level of fitness. So take into consideration how often you normally exercise and then aim to work at about 50 percent of your usual effort level.
Exercise can have both a positive and negative impact on the immune system. A prolonged, vigorous session could actually make you more prone to catching something. On the flipside, a session of moderate exercise can boost your immunity, which means working hard when you're well is always a good idea.
Overall, pushing yourself too hard when unwell is not a wise move - but neither is reverting to complete couch potato level. Therefore you might want to put that marathon training off until you are feeling your hundred percent, but don't dodge some light exercise out in the fresh air. © Cover Media