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Fitness Questions - Should I Workout With a Cold?

Fitness Question:
I usually work out 2 or three times a week. I have a bad cold coming on. Should I stop working out until it is gone or should I work out anyway?

Fitness Answer:
The rule of thumb for exercising while sick is called the above/below the neck rule. If your symptoms appear above the neck (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat) then yes, you can continue with a low-intensity workout.

If your symptoms are below the neck (diarrhea, intense coughing, vomiting, fever), then the American College of Sports Medicine and CDC suggest you let your illness run its course before resuming physical activity.

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