When to Back Off from Exercise

Sometimes it's hard to know whether working out could make a minor sore throat or the sniffles worse.

Luckily, there's a rule of thumb you can follow. In her book Outdoor Fitness, exercise expert Tina Vindum recommends an above-the-neck check.

Here's How It Works
"If your symptoms are from the neck up, ask yourself: 'Do I feel like working out?'" recommends Vindum. If the answer is yes, then go for it. But if your symptoms are all below the neck -- it's difficult to breathe, your chest feels tight, or you're wheezing and coughing -- don't exercise. Give yourself a break and rest up. Visit the RealAge Sinus Center for all you need to know about soothing your schnoz.

Give Colds the Cold Shoulder
The best way to keep your fitness routine intact? Avoid a cold in the first place. Try these immune-boosting tips:

• Get your ZZZs. You'll be saying nite-nite to colds.
• Eat yogurt. Here's how it helps stop a cold short.
• Move your feet. A 45-minute walk 5 days a week can reduce your risk of catching a cold.
• Be positive. Find out why colds hate an inner glow.

Find out what really revs up your immune system -- and what doesn't -- with the quiz in this article.

Tina Vindum's Outdoor Fitness: Step Out of the Gym into the BEST Shape of Your Life. Vindum, T., Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press, 2009.