to exercise or not to exercise when sick

well as of last night i have found myself with a sore throat and head congestion. im used to going to the gym about 5 days a week and i feel like i want to get up and go. but on the other hand im tired and i know im sick but not sure what i have.

is it a good idea to exercise when you have a cold? i've heard that it isn't but im not stuck to the bed throwing up or anything. if anyone has any advice i appreciate it!

don't exercise. I did it a bunch of times before finally learning it was NOT in my best interest. Whenever i did , my alements took FOREVER to go away/ i tended to rebound b/c my body would never recover.

I have heard -  when the "sickness" is above the neck you can still workout, but if you feel it in your chest or lower then take the day off...

That is what I usually do...but I hate missing workouts!

Hope it helps!

What I learned from a physical therapist was, that if you are sick, take the day off, because your body is working to fight off the infection as can't do a suitable job of that and repair muscle tissue that needs repair after working out.

well...ive realised that when you have a cold and you workout, the symptoms ease up quite a bit.....but it may take a bit longer(couple of days) to leave. So if you are really into your routine then stick to it. Also, when you have a fever and its not extreme...try workin up a sweat. I have personally experienced this by running while i had a fever. I was sweating like mad when i was running but after...my fever was gone! 

DITTO to most of the posts! 

Although participation in a regular exercise program will help keep you from getting sick, you should not exercise if you are sick "below the neck".  Do not try to "run off" a fever.  Just because it worked for some people doesn't mean that it is a wise or healthy choice to make.  If you want to really change you life and habits it is essential to realize that there will be times that you can't and /or shouldn't  exercise.  It is equally important that you resume exercise as soon as you feel better or get the okay from your Doc.  You don't have to be at 100% to exercise again but you should be on the mend.

Good Luck!

thanks to everyone for their replies!

i ended up deciding not to go to the gym when my head started pounding i got a 102 fever and i found myself taking antibiotics. turns out i have an ear infection, this thing is painful. im feeling much better today though. i dont think ill be hitting the gym for a couple days taking the advice you all have given me. its hard when your on a routine but i could use some rest.

i think ill stick to some stretching to keep my body feeling well.

thanks again! 

I just took three days off due to a head cold/sore throat.  I have found, when I do that, after I return to the gym, and do a moderate elliptical workout of 45 minutes incline 20, resistance 11, I tend to lose a couple of pounds. 

Sort of shocking my body into understanding that it's vacation is over and it's time to get back to work.

Be sure to drink lots of water!

I took two days off.  I started feeling better the second day, but didn't risk it.  I was still congested the third day, worked out, and felt great afterwards.  I'm usually one of those girls who gets sick and stays sick for like 2 weeks, so I think my healthy eating and regular exercise strengthened my defenses.

Whether you do or don't exercise when sick, please be kind and DO NOT do it at the gym.  If you really want to work out with a head cold, go ahead.  Go for a walk outside, a run, a ride, or pop in a dvd.  Just remember that the gym is a pretty easy place to spread germs, and be nice to your fellow gym-goers.