I've been sick since Sunday. For the first 3-4 days it was REAL bad. I just had a really bad cold. Anyway, it seems to have gotten all better except that I still have some congestion (you can hear it in some of my coughs). I took the entire week so far off from any lifting/cardio but this morning I couldn't hold off, so I did a 27 min HIIT workout and while I got through it fine, I did have a congested cough during some points.

Anyway, my question is if anyone knows whether doing any exercise will prolong whatever is left in me. I REALLY want to at least do more cardio tomorrow and Sunday, but I have a feeling I'll still have this congestion. Is it okay to do it or will it just make the time until I get over this longer? If it will make it take longer, I'll hold off, I just can't stand not doing anything.

Thoughts/comments? Thanks

I think I have the exact same thing you do. I felt awful the beginning of this week and the last two days I've felt fine, but sounded worse than before.

I decided it wasn't worth it and that I needed to take a week off anyways.

Here's one person's opinion:

QUESTION: Is it OK to exercise if I'm starting to feel like I'm coming down with a cold or the flu?

ANSWER: First, pay attention to the symptoms and know the difference between cold and flu. Chances are, if you truly have the flu, you're probably feeling too sick to do anything but stay in bed and sleep. Symptoms of the flu: sudden headache, dry cough, a runny nose, sore throat, achy muscles, extreme fatigue or high fever. You might cough and continue to feel tired after the worst is over.

Symptoms of a cold: runny nose, sore throat and a cough. Adults usually don't have a fever.

If your symptoms are above the neck, it's probably OK to exercise. But if you're getting the chills and aches, stay home.

Q: Should I go to the gym and work out if I have just a cold? A: If you feel well enough to exercise, there's no reason you shouldn't. But if you're coughing, sneezing and constantly wiping a runny nose, you are putting others at risk for catching your germs. What's more, your weakened immune system may make you more susceptible to bugs that are thriving in the gym. Consider modifying your weight-training regimen so you can do it at home, and take your cardiovascular activity outdoors until symptoms are gone. The bottom line: Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.

Actually, the general consensus from what I found is it's okay to exercise with a cold, but you should reduce the intensity.

Nice find. I was planning to go for a jog tomorrow morning outside and since my cough is very sporadic, I think I will try it as long as it doesn't interfere with my breathing.

Thanks a lot!

In my own experience, exercising does one of two things:

1. You produce a thermogenic reaction in your body, which helps kill whatever is infecting you. Usually if I do it early enough, I won't get sick at all

2. You stress your already weakened body, and get more sick

I have no science to back it up, but this is what always seems to happen

I recommend some light exercise if you are feeling ill. Stay around 50% of your MHR - seriously just nice and easy. This will promote a healing response in your body.
One thing to note: If you are all over sick - aching joints etc - just rest exercise, even light, will not help such severe illness.