Sportsmen don’t like to skip even a workout. Even when it rains and it’s cold, they continue to run and practice to keep their body and mind always at the maximum. But if a person chooses to play sports with colds, is it really a good choice? In this article, we will try to understand it.
The decision to train and practice colds obviously depends on each of you. The state of health is however personal and, based on the causes, the symptoms and the severity of this illness, you will have to evaluate with good sense and prudence the opportunity to run in the street or go to the gym. In addition to harmless seasonal colds, in fact, there may be clinical conditions and pathologies for which training could be a dangerous aggravating circumstance.
Can you play sports with colds?
Regarding this question, there are two main conflicting opinions. Some think it is better to stay in bed, taking proper care, until the state of health returns to normal. Others believe that playing sports is the best way to eliminate the virus. In reality, both points of view are acceptable, at least in part. Let’s see why.
First of all, we can certainly confirm that doing physical exercise helps fight the virus that causes colds. Among other things, it helps strengthen the immune system.
In fact, when doing sport, white blood cells (responsible for defending the body from viruses and bacteria), circulate more easily through the bloodstream. This will allow the body to fight infections faster.
On the other hand, the option to rest up to regain energy is certainly valid. The immune system needs your body to be rested and free of stress, to function better and to restore the necessary strength.
When is it appropriate to practice cold and when not?
You can train safely when cold symptoms are light and tolerable. For example, in the case of simple sneezing, mild congestion or a passing sore throat. If the symptoms are mild but, despite their present, you feel healthy, there is no basis for stopping your workout routine.
It may be that the symptoms of a cold or flu are stronger and more intense. For example, the presence of cough, chest congestion, fever, fatigue, stomach pain, and muscle pain. In these cases, it is not convenient to practice sports or other types of physical activity.
Above all, exercise is counterproductive in the presence of fever, because it could cause dehydration. In these cases, it is advisable to rest, stay warm and follow a good diet to regain strength and feel better.
How appropriate is sport or exercise?
The ‘ regular exercise and moderate it helps to have a more efficient immune system. Especially if accompanied by a good diet, adequate rest and no stress. Performing activities of a few minutes, every day or several times a week, will allow you to keep seasonal ailments away.
Conversely, when you exercise intensely and extreme, the effects on the immune system can be negative. In this case, if a cold occurs, it is advisable not to carry out high-intensity activities. These exercises could reduce the number of white blood cells, weakening the immune system.
The type of effort (quantity, duration, and frequency) should be evaluated in relation to the symptoms of your cold. It is always advisable not to carry out demanding activities in the face of minimal symptoms, as this will facilitate a faster and more effective recovery process. Now let’s see some practical tips that will suit you if you have decided to play sports with the cold:
1. Cover yourself well
If the temperatures are low and you have a cold, we advise you to wear a thermal shirt. These garments maintain body heat and expel sweat. If it is very cold, it is advisable to wear several layers of clothing and not just one. It is important that you cover yourself well, but do not overdo it.
2. Protect your nose and throat
To avoid the consequences of cold, it is good to cover the nose and mouth, as they are delicate areas that will expose you to direct contact with cold air. It is also advisable to cover the throat, the head and wear gloves. Keep in mind that 75% of body heat is lost from the head area.
3. Stretching and heating, fundamental questions
If you notice the symptoms of a cold, it is very important that you carry out a proper warm-up, before starting to play sports and above all, gradually. Once the physical activity is over, the best option is a good lengthening without undressing and a good shower with hot water.
4. Good hydration and nutrition
Having a cold or flu accelerates the dehydration process, so it is essential to drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. It is also important to accompany sports with a good diet, rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. In conclusion, sport and physical activity are extremely important for the proper functioning of the body. But if you have a cold, it is essential to first evaluate the symptoms to determine if it is possible to play sports safely, without it being a danger to your health.
