Exercising when sick?

When I joined the gym they said that if you're sick you shouldn't work out... I only do 'light' activities like yoga, cycling and pilates. Do you think I should avoid these activities until I get better?

By the way, I have a cold- so nothing too serious.

I can't really say because I am not you. All I can suggest is listen to your body. If it is in pain then let it heal. If your ailments only more of a hindrance like snifflings, stuffy nose, nothing that will prevent you from doing physical activities, the I'd say go for a workout.

The thing that needs to be considered is other's well being. If you are walking around while still carrying your germs/virus, you may want to think about not infecting other people in the gym LOL May be that is part of what the warning is about. Of course, it's different when you are working out at home. :)
Get well soon.

I started out last week with a pretty bad cold, normally I would just stay home until i felt better, but I just took some non-drowsy medicine during the day and went to the gym like I normally do (making sure to clean the machines well when i was done), and I kicked the cold by the weekend! I think being active helps boost your immune system and could actually make it go away faster.

i recently had a doctor explain to me that when you exercise your immune system is at its most vulnerable... so, if you are at the gym and a bit sick, you are probably more susceptable to all the other little germs that are floating around the gym. something to think about, i suppose...

i run with a cold, but headaches and fever keep me off my feet... i think you have to listen to your own body and do what it will allow!

meljo is right...you need to listen to your body.

As a general rule, it's OK to workout if the symptoms are from the neck and above...not OK if it's below.  So, flu type stuff, you should rest...colds and sore throats, it's OK.

I been on a daily running streak that I told myself no excuses to break it.  I've ran through a cold that lasted about 10 days and did ok.  Just need to hydrate better and don't plan for any PR's.

Best Wishes, I hope you feel better soon.

Geo

I try not to go to the gym when I'm feeling crummy...it's not for lack of motivation, but I would hate to think I've infected anyone else. I usually stay home and poke at my weight set with one finger and wait 'til I'm feeling better and not contagious.

Get well soon...this has been a miserable cold season!

I decided to stay in... I started some major coughing, so it's best for everyone if I stay home. Plus it's a high of 0C today with snow. Yesterday was a high of -8C!

I'm hoping that since I'm trying to eat healthier that I'll get over it faster than I 'normally' would.

Thanks everyone!