Cold & Flu Season...yuk

[justlucky]

Hi

I have a question about returning to rotation after getting over a nasty winter cold or flu.

I've seen several sources that suggest that you maintain light workouts while you have a cold as long as you are not running a fever. That has never worked for me though. It just tends to make me more ill and prolong my recovery time. So, at the first sniffle, I just stop rotation altogether until it's cleared up.

After the cold/flu has cleared up though, I still feel that it takes me a bit of time to get back into things and feel 100%. The time to get back to my usual strength also depends on how severe the cold/flu was and how long it lasted. Does anyone have video or other recommendations for the days when you're feeling up to it but know your body isn't going to give you 100%?

 

[Debra]

I pull out easy tapes (figure I'm holding on to them for a reason). Step Reebok, the Firm's tri-trainer tapes, Kathy Smith & Voight's Personal Best come to mind. It's also a good time for stretching, Pilates or yoga. Stretch out the dog walks or just the walks if you're dogless. You're smart to listen to your body. I find recovery is much quicker if you give your body a chance to catch-up after battling an illness.

 

[Terri1222]

I know this all too well! I just am getting over a nasty head cold/flu thing and I ended up taking a full 5 days off...I just got back into it this morning and am still "testing the waters", so to speak.

For me, I've noticed that when I'm recovering from an illness, I just cut down on cardio. Like for instance this morning I just did some chest work, back work, shoulder work and some abs. Didn't really break much of a sweat, only took about 1/2 an hour or so. I'm hoping in a few days or so I'll introduce cardio back in but v-e-r-y slowly....

I think it depends on the severity of the illness and also your own immune system.

Terri

 

[kristina]

Sick sucks

I have just gotten back into my workouts after ten days off...this is the worst flu I have ever had. Good advice here from others..it depends on your symptoms. I have found that if all you have is congestion, light workouts are great because it keeps your juices flowing and the sinuses and lungs pumping.
BUT, this year I got the true FLU for the first time in 10 years. I could barely get out of bed. Drying my hair was as hard as bench pressing 80 pounds.
You know the difference...if you feel weak and sore, or have a fever, take some time off. But if all you have is some congestion and sniffles, jumping around will probably do you well. Good health!

 

[murph]

Agree with Debra

Try Voight's Streamlined Fitness,also I like gooood old Step reebok, Precision toning, Voight's Core Essentials, the Tri Trainer Firms are easy but good, too. Any yoga (almost)--Ali McGraw, especially. Pilates good, too.

 

[JanetH]

This Isn't Scientific But...

Others may have more information but this is how I have tended to treat my symptoms (this is from someone who 3 years ago was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis-until I got into a regular exercise/flu shot routine):


If the ailiment is above the neck (ie: stuffy nose, etc.) continue to exercise, making modifications as necessary.

However, if it's below the neck, as in chest congestion, abdominal distress, whatever...lay low.

I've also read/been told that your immune system is more activated when you are exercising, so, when I find myself in the very early stages of an "above the neck" type of ailment, I pull out one of Cathe's tapes and kick virus "a**"

FWIW

JanetH