Does a cold affect your strength!?!?

**GrandmasterSpank** · 09-11-2009, 02:43 PM

I've had a minor cold for about a week now, think it's clearing up, I feel good apart from a few of the usual localised symptoms, like runny nose, mildly sore throat etcetc. Sleeps been a bit shit with it last few nights, but I haven't cut back on my training at all, however, I've noticed my strength drop on most exercises, e.g failing one or two reps short of the norm, and it's a bit depressing, as otherwise, the cold's barely noticable...

So just wondering, do most of you guys notice a small drop in strength when you develop a basic cold!??

Cheers y'all!

Ps. Also, be interesting to hear some opinions,- Is it best to just train through a cold, 100% intensity, or cut back? Personally, I can't do the 'cutting back' thing, it's either I go to the gym, give it 100%, or I stay home.

**Juturna** · 09-11-2009, 02:46 PM

When I'm sick of course I feel worse in the gym. You have to keep in mind that your body is fighting hard to fight the cold, so of course your not going to be 100%

I usually take the worst day of it off but train the rest of the days.

***D7M*** · 09-11-2009, 02:47 PM

yah, you had a cold. what do you expect, to be able to still train with 100% intensity?

Once you get back and healthy your numbers should return.

I usually train through a minor cold, but I'm really sick, I just take the time off, rest and drink a ton of fluids.

**Noles12** · 09-11-2009, 02:53 PM

When im sick i like to workout and especially do cardio because it actually makes me feel better.

But all of my lifts are weaker and i expect that because i have less energy due to be sick.

**GrandmasterSpank** · 09-11-2009, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Noles12

When im sick i like to workout and especially do cardio because it actually makes me feel better.

But all of my lifts are weaker and i expect that because i have less energy due to be sick.

Sure, yeah, makes a lot of sense I guess. I actually caught it during a week off from the gym, and they say your body holds on to some things like colds until it's ready to fight them.

Funny you mention the cardio thing Noles12, I felt underpar during the weights today, but the cardio almost felt euphoric in comparison! I felt really 'fresh' after it, more so than usual.

**c-Z** · 09-11-2009, 05:58 PM

Use your head.... Your body is bust trying to fight off the cold... Which usually causes you to feel shitty and crap.. OFC it affects how you workout. The strength just isnt there.

**Jackalhead** · 09-11-2009, 06:05 PM

In my case yes. It makes my work outs harder for some reason. My theory is my body is spending energy on healing rather than muscle recovery as much. Then again, I'm not sure why.

**GrandmasterSpank** · 09-12-2009, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by c-Z

Use your head.... Your body is bust trying to fight off the cold... Which usually causes you to feel shitty and crap.. OFC it affects how you workout. The strength just isnt there.

I guess the question/dilemma I have is...
'If I don't train at all when I'm ill will I loose more strength, OR, if I do train, will it hamper & prolong my recovery from the illness!?'

**dec11** · 09-12-2009, 04:52 AM

sooo much paranoia in losing size/strength over taking a few days off!!! if you arent 100% you knock the crap outa your immune system which = feeling sicker and for longer and more time off gym, seriousily even 2 weeks off makes very little diff to your training and infact can boost it

**c-Z** · 09-12-2009, 05:26 AM

Listen to your body. If you have a cold or anything. and it is going to hold you back. then don't go to the gym. take the necessary time off to get back to healthy again. Personally the gym is one of the nastiest places to be with a cold. Your system is weak from already trying to fight off what you have.... most likely you will pick up more shit while your at the gym. Stay home. Rest. Rest is good every now and then for your body.
I come back stronger after some time off.