work out while sick?

[Calee]

I've heard that if it's just a head cold, then go ahead and push through it and exercise-any thoughts?
I've been fighting a cold for a week, but now my throat is starting to hurt. Do I skip a few days and hope to get better? I'm one of those who is afraid to lose whatever fitness gains I've made if I don't work out at least most days in the week.

 

[DeanaMax]

How do you feel? If you don't have the energy, take it easy, don't push yourself and get better. You're not going to lose your gains by skipping a few days. Then kick some butt when you're recovered!!

 

[peanut1129]

I always think it is best to listen to your body. If you feel up to it why not try to do a light workout...something that is not too intense. A little cardio warmup, maybe some weights and then a nice stretch. I think I've always heard that if you don't have a fever your probably okay to do something.


Jennifer

 

[kathryn]

Sometimes, if you exert yourself while your body is busy trying to fight a cold or illness, you'll have to take longer off later because you make things worse. Instead, taking one day off, or doing a less-intense workout (yoga, something that works up a light sweat, but isn't an energy drainer) will get you back to 100% sooner.

 

[marnold]

I agree. I have been stubborn and refused to rest and paid a dear price. Usually, the sickness stays around longer. Take a break! You deserve it!

 

[Calee]

Thank you everyone,
I think I know in the back of my head that I need to take a couple days off, but I get feeling guilty and the "all or nothing" part of me comes out and I don't want to blow it!

 

[Sekcy_Gymnast]

I agree. Don't push yourself if you don't ahve the energy. If you feel like its just a runny nose or a little sore throat I would suggest a fairly light workout (if its possible with Cathe}() but if you feel run down and achey ect, don't push it. Just think of it this way: The longer you wait, the faster you can get back to working out, the shorter you wait, the longer you'll end up waiting in the long run until your back to almost normal.

Good Luck!


Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
-Laurie Kuslansky-

~Adri~
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[Muffin Top]

I remember reading (I believe it was in Fitness magazine), that if you're symptoms are above your neck (stuffy nose, sore throat) that it's ok to exercise and that exercise even boosts your immunity and may help you get better quicker. However, if your symptoms are below your neck (congested chest, coughing, wheezing), you're better off resting until you feel better. And never work out with a fever.
I'm fighting a head cold too, but plan on attempting Turbo Jam in a few minutes. Hope we both feel better soon.

 

[Calee]

Maybe that's the article I remember hearing about when I heard that if it's just a head cold that it's ok to exercise- thank you for remembering for me
Good luck with Turbo Jam and I'll see if I can make it through a video with out dripping snot on my step. Ewwww...

 

[rnyogamom]

Hi Everyone! My wake up call the day I admitted a 27 year old marathon runner into CCU with a heart that literally "exploded" (papillary muscle rupture,literally, the heart stretched and became floppy) because this athlete ran....with the flu....and collapsed..its the extreme, but the lesson learned is that your nose, your chest are not the only things sick, the WHOLE body is, and needs REST....and this poor guy, don't know if he ever received a transplant,but even if he did, his life expectancy is cut to a decade or so at best, his running days over, and a life of pills an medicine ....all from not just going to bed when he had influenza!

 

[luv_2_B_fit]

I would say depends on your symptoms and how you feel while working out. When I get stuffy or nose and sinus pressure, I've found that cardio has helped to clear it up during and for a short period of time afterwards. But be sure to drink lots of water (flush your system) and listen to your body.