It’s no big news that it’s cold and flu season--but this year the flu seems to be making headlines.  With the holiday season far behind us and spring right around the corner so many people are resolved to lose weight.  New diets will be started and the gyms will be flooded.  As you head to your local health club with goals in mind, the last you want is to be set back three weeks because you got sick!  Health clubs have always been a breading ground for germs so we at fatburn.com thought we would pass along some tips to keep you healthy and on track to your fitness and weight lose goals.

Think of others.

First, be courteous to your fellow workout buddies.  If you are sick or feel like you’re getting sick, STAY HOME!  While contagious, everything you touch becomes a chance to pass along a virus that could infect anyone who uses the equipment after you. 

Is all exercise out?

Can you still do a workout on your own outside?  It depends.  Use the chin down rule to find out.  If you have only minor symptoms above the chin - sneezing, headache, sinus congestion, or a runny nose or eyes - and your energy level is normal, you'll probably do fine with light aerobic exercise.  Scientists at Ball State University recently studied 50 people with head cold symptoms.  Some of them exercised lightly for 40 minutes every other day, while others did no exercise.  After 10 days, the two groups showed no difference in symptoms.

When to stay home

If you develop symptoms below the chin, such as a cough, sore throat, fever, chest congestion, body ache or noticeable fatigue, stay home and rest until you feel better. 

The key here is to listen to your body.  All the symptoms mentioned above are side effects of your body trying to attack the virus, which takes a lot of energy.

Don’t be a tough guy.

With either chin up or chin down symptoms, stay away from heavy weight lifting that will cause soreness.  White blood cells are trying to fight off the virus.  These same cells also help repair the micro tears cause by heavy weight training.  You don’t want to divide your defense system so stick to light exercise. 

The big No, No

While in the gym never, ever, ever touch your hands to your face.  A great majority of the time, you pick up the virus on you hands and then you allow the germ to enter your system by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 

Instead, bring a towel from home if you need to wipe your face or scratch an itch. 

What to do after you leave the gym.

Wash your hands before you leave the gym.  Use hot water and soap.  Remember:  It’s not a rinse and go thing!  Spend some time getting all that gym junk off you hands. 

Honestly, the first time you wash your hands right after a workout, you will see all the dirt pour down the drain.  After that, you will always make it a habit.