Working out Sick

B

Boingo

Cathlete
I'm sitting here debating whether I should push myself into my workout today. Scheduled WO on the rotation I'm doing is S&H Legs and Shoulders.

I suddenly got ill yesterday, sneezing, lots of sinus congestion, fatigue, chills, but no fever.

I don't want to push myself if it will make me sicker...

What do you all think? is it bad to push yourself when you've got a cold/possible sinusitis?

~Chris
 
Definitely don't work out, unless it's some kind of restorative yoga.
Your immune system needs to fight this off, and adding more stress to your body (in the form of exercise), will only hinder its work.

Better to take a couple of days off exercise and come back at 100%, than to push yourself to exercise through illness and have it drag on for longer, or even worsen.
 
thanks for the replies! Of course, they make perfect sense...

I was leaning towards NOT working out, but then I get that little "guilty" nagging about skipping a workout. So, I will take it as easy as I can today. As easy as I can with 3 boys running around, and then I have to work the overnight tonight, 7p--7a. Oh my! I guess conserving my energy as much as I can is better!

~Chris
 
The answer - in my Critical Care Nurse mode vs. my vidiot mode - do NOT do it...there is a school of thought that if your illness is "above the head", meaning congestion, headache, but not that sick, to go ahead......this is a fallacy - if you are tired related to illness, your body is mobilizing a defense against a bug - be it viral or bacterial (more serious)...working out in the presence of illness does NOT help your immune system, it deteriorates and taxes it......exercise helps the body enormously in a healthy state.....NOT in an ill state.

The worst case I ever saw was in CCU with a kid who was a marathoner and took an "easy" day and ran during a bout of influenza.....the papillary fibers that hold our heart together ruptured and he became a patient on the transplant list 24 hours later...do not know if he survived to get one, nor if he did, how many years he got from it....

Have seen PLENTY of pneumonias and the long term health effects from that, from gals like us who pushed through illness....

If you feel good enough to do SOMETHING, try a gentle yoga video that is big on breathing, or a stretch...that way you will get your "fix" and not weaken yourself further.

Feel better! Here in Southern Va, everyone has a sinus headache this week! I feel for ya!
 
Well, don't listen to me! I'm *trying* to take it easy, but came down w/ my dd's flu that they've had on Tues. I took Tues off, did a lighter workout on Wed & Thurs lifted weights, and took Fri off. Still not feeling great today but did a TJ Cardio party and floorwork and abs from Cathe's B & G. It was driving me nuts not doing anything! Well, other than taking care of 3 sick kids (totally understand that!).

I feel like I've entered back into the land of the living but I hadn't been that sick in a LONG time.

Take it easy! (talking to myself too!)
 
Wow, critical care nurse! you sure made me feel better about my decision not to work out!

I really never felt well enough to do anything. I think Yoga positions would have hurt my head...

AND, I ended up calling in sick to work. I just can't do an overnight feeling the way I do now...

Thanks for all you advice!

~Chris
 
I think you end up knowing your limits. Seems like you did alot though!

So I'll tell you: Take it easy too!!

~Chris
 
Thanks Kathy and Cathy!

I did rest , I went to bed earlier, and slept fitfully, but better than being at work for 13 hours overnight!

I feel better today too!

I wish I could listen to my body more. I tend to go with my mind way of thinking. of wanting to push it. Of not missing a workout.

I think back to 7 years ago, and that was SOOO not me! Any excuse not to exercise or to eat junk! But that was 90 pounds ago!! And my way of thinking, though a little to the other extreme, has majorly improved!

~Chris
 
Hey Chris!! How cool to e-talk with you here!! I'm so glad to hear you've heeded to the advice of this educated and kind crowd. You need to rest and let your body focus on getting better. :)

You're so right about how far you've come!! It's awesome and inspiring! I'm thankful for your friendship and positive influence on my life!

Connie :)
 
Good for you, Chris!! I'm taking my scheduled rest day today and will see how I'm feeling tomorrow. Glad that you rested and WTG on losing 90 lbs! That was me 5 yrs ago and 70 lbs heavier myself. Isn't it amazing the improvements you can make by getting in shape???
 
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