This darn cold

[nancy324]

I've been fighting a cold or something that keeps coming back. I don't have any fever and I'm not bed-ridden, but the last few times I tried to do my PS workout I was shocked at how quickly I became fatigued and how little weight I was able to use. I realize it may be best to stay away from weight lifting for a few days. But what about some simple aerobic exercise, like power walking on the treadmill? I don't want to prolong my illness, but I would like to do SOMETHING so I don't lost the recent gains I've made. What's the conventional wisdom on working out during a mild illness? Thanks for your input!
-Nancy

 

[susanz]

From everything I've read over the years it's fine to exercise during a mild illness. In some ways it can make you feel better. I would try the walking on the trreadmill just to see how you feel.If you start to get winded slow down the pace a bit. I have always exercised through my colds. For some reason I seem to be in better spirits when I'm done.
I do hope you feel better soon. I know some colds just seem to hang around forever! Take care of yourself -Susan

 

[getnfit@38]

Being the "extremist" that I am, I tend to do the real "sweat producing" cardios like Imax at the onset of a cold, and EVERY single time I've done it my cold was gone in 24-48hrs. I rarely get colds anymore, but whenever a "sniffle" comes on, I attack back with a dose of Imax, or CTX 10-10-10, or some cardio that helps me "sweat it out." For me, it seems to work, and I too feel better after I've worked out then I did before I started.

But listen to your own body. Many people cannot workout even with simple colds, I'm sure body weight has much to do with it, a smaller person might weaken a little easier than a "bruiser" like myself. Sometimes I think I should stamp "Ford" on my a**! So you should listen to your body and if you can work out, go for it, but if not, take a day or two and rest your body and get back to your workouts when you're feeling 100%.

Feel better soon
Donna

 

[nancy324]

Hey, Susan, you were right! I did my power walking thing on the treadmill and I do feel better. I noticed that it took a lot less work to get into my target heart rate zone though. I was on a level 6 incline and my heart rate was over 145, which is high for someone my age. Normally, I can't get that high even on a level 12 incline. Thank goodness for the heart rate monitor or else I definitely would have overdone it! As for my Pure Strength tape, well, maybe tomorrow or the day after...
Thank you Susan and Donna for your good wishes.