TissuesDuring cold and flu season, the gym is a breeding ground for germs. However, just because you have the sniffles yourself doesn't mean you have to swear off working out.
More from The Stir: How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu
Before you dive in to your sweat session, evaluate: If your symptoms are below the neck -- such as nausea or upset stomach, chest congestion, hacking cough, body and muscle aches, or fatigue -- then you may want to take some time off from working out. While having a runny nose or sore throat isn't exactly a walk in the park, these ailments are a sign you can probably still sweat safely.
Think you're ready to take on the challenge? Check out these four great exercises for when you have a cold:
Go for a run: Going for a run outside will enable you to squeeze in your sweat sesh without getting anywhere near the yucky germs at the gym. As long as it's not too chilly, going for a run could be very beneficial, according to Runner's World. In fact, it can even put you in a better mood!
Try an at-home fitness DVD: There are fitness DVDs for every workout ever created, all of which you can do in the comfort of your own home. The best part about doing the moves on your own? No one is there to judge your not-exactly-perfect technique. You can even rent the videos off of Netflix! Check out some of our favorite Netflix workouts here.
Stair climbs: Whether it's the set of stairs inside your own home or the stadium stairs at a high school down the street, tackling steps is a great way to engage your leg muscles and get your heart rate up. You can burn 300 calories or more in one 30-minute stair climbing spree!
More from The Stir: 10 Surefire Ways to Survive Your Cold
Make your own circuit: Combining different elements of weight training and cardio is an effective way of curbing your appetite while targeting different muscle groups. I may not be a fitness expert, but the circuit I swear by consists of 20 jumping jacks, followed by 15 bicep curls, 15 squats, 10 push-ups, and a quarter mile sprint, then repeat. If you're doing the workout at home, just run a quick lap around the block and repeat the circuit four times. Your legs will be screaming (in a good way) the next day, I promise.
Do you work out when you're feeling under the weather?
Image via stevendepolo/Flickr
Written by Emily Abbate on CafeMom's blog, The Stir.
More from The Stir:
Flu Shots Aren't Fool-Proof But Still Worth Getting5 Steps To Survive Cold & Flu Season
No Cure For Common Cold -- Or Whiny Men
Sick of Getting Sick? Close Down The Germ Factory
