Should you exercise when you are sick?

Do you know someone who is sick right now? HA! Trick questions...practically everyone I know is sick or has a family member with a cold, stomach flu or random virus. Even this morning as I prepared to go outside into the wind for a run, I was stuffing Kleenex in my pockets. So is it okay to exercise when you're sick? Well, it kinda depends on what kind of "sick" you are. 

If you have the common cold, it’s okay to work out; in fact you might even feel better.Studies have shown that exercising with the common cold (runny or stuffy nose, sore throat) does not have any negative impact on the body. In fact some participants reported feeling better after exercising with a cold. So just keep these guidelines in mind and feel better soon!

• If your illness is “above the neck” (think head cold, runny nose, sore throat), keep up with your exercise routine.
• If you are vomiting, have diarrhea or a chest cold, take it easy until your symptoms lessen. Also, if you have a fever or severe body aches, it’s a good idea to take the day off from your fitness routine.

Of course, if you question your ability to work out when your sick, double check with your doctor.