I woke up with a little sinus pressure, and throughout the day, it has all started to drain. So I have a stuffy nose and a lot of drainage in my throat.
Is it bad to work out (run) when congested like this? Does that prevent the body from healing like it should? Or is it good for me to just push through it and run anyway?
I'm curious about this myself, I've pushed through a cardio workout before when I was horribly congested, and while I did complete the workout, it was not fun at all! I don't know if it was the right move or not. I will say with all my struggling to get air, it did kind of loosen things up temporarily.
If it is just a head cold go for it, take it easy, but some exercise can help. If you have a fever or productive cough take a break.
If the cough turns into one of those lingering post nasal drip lasts forever kind of cough, try a gentle workout after about a week and see if it makes it better or worse.
I ended up going on a bike ride rather than running. I was fine during the ride, but last night I felt terrible. I don't know if my worsening congestion had anything to do with the bike ride or not. All I know is that I felt like poo all night and I kept accidentally waking DH up with all my nose blowing. Oops!
I am just getting over this, all the sinus drainage gave me a sore throat, but I never had a fever. I only worked out 2 times that week and really watched what I ate, so I still lost. I would say to base it on how you feel...and drink lots of water...it helps keep that stuff loosened up. I also took an over the counter med to help with the pressure and sore throat....those 2 workouts were not fun and I went slower so it took me longer, but in the end, I was happy I did it! Good luck and I hope you start feeling better soon (mine took 1.5 weeks to get over).
This may just be me, but exercise and congestion brings on Bronchitis each and every time. In fact, I've done High intensity interval training to the point of making myself congested, and I ended up with Bronchitis....TWICE! So now if I feel at all phlegmy after a workout, I take some Sudafed and haven't had a problem since. Obviously I'm a little prone to bronchitis.
Running while congested
