Lifting with a cold

[Demyan Khrolenko]

I know that most people probably almost never get colds because we are a stronger breed than the average humans. But.. when it does occur do you lift anyway, or take extra days off and let your body heal. If you do decide to workout anyway would you prefer to do a metcon or just a couple heavy lifts. Also being hungover can count as being sick too. Do you guys workout the day after you go out drinking?

[Dave Van Skike]

if no symptoms below the neck I lift as I normally would and often get a PR...

[Aimee Anaya Everett]

I normally take 1 day off, maybe 2 if I am feeling really shitty. Then I get back in the gym and take it easy. You don't want to be busting out 90% + lifts or anything, but moving around and doing some lighter stuff can get you moving and help to flush all the yuckies out.
After drinking.... well you are in trouble there because you most likely will barf or poo your pants during a metcon or a heavy squat workout if you are hung over. Also, getting drunk is rumored to take off a week to two weeks of your training, so going in and lifting heavy will most likely not be a success.

[Dave Van Skike]

I've had several huge wins in bike races , one Mnt, one road when i was suuuuuper hungover. You're probably do lose a week or so of training progress so i say suck it up and go to work, hung or not.

[Steven Low]

I wouldn't advise any high intensity metabolic work. Heavy lifting tends to be fine as long as it's not high volume.

Or you can just wait it out and rest... if you haven't in a while and you don't take planned rest days. That's generally what I do.

Missing a workout here and there is not going to kill you... but getting sick cause you pushed too far may make you miss a lot.

[Dave Van Skike]

keep in mind there's a big difference between lifting heavy hung over and sick. Alcohol is a CNS depressant, you're not going to really be firing all switches when your hung. good time to do intervals since you already feel like shit.

[Kevin Perry]

take a day off, your body will reward you. Or do something really light and easy and just flow through it.

[John Kilbane]

Not to say that the Times is a reputable source but this article might be relevant:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/he...ssandnutrition