Useful Advice About Colds and Exercise

How do colds affect your activity level? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, researchers at Ball State University, writing in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, expressed these guidelines for exercising if you have a cold.

With above-the-neck symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing or scratchy throat, exercise is fine, but at a lower intensity. If your symptoms go away after a few minutes of exercise, you may increase your intensity.

With below-the-neck symptoms such as fever, sore muscles or joints, vomiting or diarrhea, or a miserable cough, stay at home. Let the illness run its course while you don't run, walk or exercise.