Can I play sports with a cold? This question certainly worries many fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes and all those who somehow give their workouts at least a few hours a week. In our article we will tell you in detail whether sports are useful or harmful during colds, as well as during the rehabilitation period.
Doing sports with a cold: such different opinions of doctors
Let's agree that we are talking about the so-called amateurs, because the professionals, whose whole life has been devoted to training, are strictly forbidden by doctors during colds to train. And if we talk about the bulk of visitors to gyms and fitness clubs, then the opinions of experts are divided. It was previously believed that during malaise, headaches, nasal congestion, and with other symptoms that accompany a cold, you can’t exercise. The body is already weakened during the illness, he does not need additional burdens. Other experts believe that sports during colds (training in normal mode) will not affect recovery: it will not slow down, but it will not accelerate it. Nevertheless, doctors are united in one thing - physical activity during elevated temperature is strictly contraindicated. Also, the training itself should take place in a lightweight mode. That is, if before the illness, for example, you spent an hour and a half in the hall, during it it is better to limit yourself to 40 minutes - an hour.
Training for serious ARVI
Above, we answered the question of whether it is possible to play sports with colds. However, the disease disease is strife. And if the doctor claims that you have the flu, you are not allowed to enter the gym for training until you recover completely. Moreover, it is with the flu that complications are possible, including in the lungs, kidneys, heart. The body is already trying to defeat the disease, giving it all its strength, and, believe me, now it is definitely not up to training, even if after taking medications you feel more or less cheerful. Yes, and the moral aspect of this action is that you are sick, that is, you risk infecting other visitors to the gym, because places for sports (of course, if you do not have one in your own home) are still considered public.
Training during illness: what can be done to recover faster
So, you feel weak, it “flows” from your nose, but you are not going to cancel the trip to the gym. In this case, you should remember that the intensity of your workout should be reduced by 40-50%. This applies to the time of its holding, and the physical exertion itself. Also, during illness, you should pay special attention to the consumption of clean water - you should drink every 10-15 minutes, this will increase sweating and support your body. During illness, aerobic exercise should be preferred - running on a track, step aerobics, and so on. Yoga and stretching classes are also recommended. But it is better to leave heavy dumbbells and dumbbells for later - you still will not reach the strength indicators that you had before the illness. Accordingly, almost everyone can play sports with a cold, but this should be done very carefully, carefully observing your own health.
Recovery Activities
When your sick leave is closed, you can return to the gym and begin your workouts again. But here there are several nuances. Firstly, your body is still weak, and those records that you set before the disease, for example, easily running 15 km on a track or lifting a hundred-kilogram bar, are now unlikely to be on your shoulder. Doctors recommend returning to sports activities gradually, increasing their pace over time. In 2-3 weeks, the body will completely recover. You will again be able to repeat the program that you performed before the illness. Sport after a cold is shown absolutely for everyone - both for beginners who have just come to the gym, and for those who have been practicing for years. Exercise strengthens the immune system and helps pass the recovery period faster. Also at this time, it is recommended to pay special attention to nutrition: drink vitamins, eat more vegetables and fruits, as well as lean meat. It’s especially important that you have enough vitamin C in your diet.
What sports activities perfectly strengthen immunity
Having examined the various opinions of specialists about whether it is possible to play sports with a cold, we will also tell you about which physical activities strengthen the immune system and help not to get sick at all. Here is a list of those areas of fitness, which, according to doctors, in the best way contribute to health and longevity:
- yoga classes;
- aerobics;
- stretching - regular stretching;
- tai-bo - intensive aerobic training with elements of oriental martial arts;
- tai chi is a type of Chinese gymnastics, where all exercises are performed slowly and smoothly, this type of fitness has no age restrictions and is suitable for absolutely everyone;
- water aerobics - exercise in water.
By doing these types of fitness, you will strengthen your health and possibly forget about what the flu and the common cold are. This is especially important for residents of Russia, where almost every year in the autumn-winter period there are epidemics of these diseases.
Biologically active additives
Of course, so that your body returns to normal, it is best to drink a course of any vitamins after a disease. Their choice is simply huge. But there are sports supplements that will help you feel better in the first days after the disease. For example, L-carnitine. In addition to its well-known properties (we are talking about burning fat), this substance is a powerful antioxidant. That is, taking L-carnitine after an illness will support every cell in your body and will fight free radicals. Echinacea extract is also a powerful natural immunostimulant. Take it 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. You can buy the drug in a pharmacy, it is inexpensive - about 40 rubles per package.
Conclusion
In the article, we examined whether it is possible to play sports with colds, cited the authoritative opinions of doctors about the symptoms with which physical activity is not harmful, and when it is best to refuse them. One way or another, the decision to continue training is best made independently, focusing on your own health. And, of course, in no case do not go to the gym with a fever or overcoming yourself. So you only harm the body, slow down the healing process and, as a result, you will not be able to resume classes for a long time.