Maintaining a workout routine keeps you fit and healthy. Various studies suggest that exercising daily reduces the risks of various diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, and chest infections. You can even boost your immune system by working out in the morning. However, many fitness enthusiasts can’t determine whether they should work out while sick or not.

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Should You Workout When You’re Sick?

Exercising while you are not feeling well can be beneficial to boost your body’s metabolic activities. But, it is not normal to work out in most cases. There is a simple method to identify the right time to work out. Experts call this method the “above the neck” rule.

Above the neck, the rule suggests that it is safe to work out if the symptoms of your disease are above your neck. For instance, if you are having earache, stuffy nose, or throat pain, you can exercise. On the contrary, if you experience severe medical conditions such as chest congestion, fever, or body ache, you should skip the day until you are better.

When Is It Okay to Workout?

If you experience these symptoms, you can work out:

• Stuffy Nose

When you have a stuffy nose, you shouldn’t skip your workout sessions. However, if the stuffy nose is along with other symptoms such as body pain or fever, you should get some rest and avoid exercising. With normal nasal congestion, you can continue to work out. Exercising can open your nasal passage allowing you to breathe more easily.

• Mild Sore Throat

Flu and the common cold can cause a mild sore throat. If you have a sore in your throat because of these viral infections, working out is safe. In certain cases, however, if you have a fever, face difficulty swallowing, and have a cough with a sore throat, you should avoid exercising for the duration that your doctor recommends.

• Earache

Earache is a burning, dull, and sharp pain in the ear. You may develop earache for various reasons. It is safe to exercise with an earache, but avoid exercises that put pressure on your sinuses.

Conclusion

Medical conditions such as fever, weakness, and vomiting require rest. In these conditions, you should avoid working out. However, there is no risk involved in working out with mild conditions such as nasal congestion, earache, and stuffy nose.