Sick for the first time since starting my exercise routine

sadinplaid

I've been working out regularly with a trainer twice a week and going to Planet Fitness 2-4 times a week. I also try to squeeze in a yoga class once a week. I've been doing this since the last week of Dec, right at 8 months now. It's the most consistent I've been in my entire adult life, and I've been loving how strong I feel and the changes I'm seeing in my body. I've said nervously a few times over the last 8 months that I wondered what would happen to my routine if I got sick, that I hope I never get sick. Ha. It was definitely the nervous ramblings of someone who was afraid to lose momentum, who was afraid to "fall off the wagon" again.

So, I caught a cold this past week. I blame Delta because I'm pretty sure I got sick while I was sitting delayed in the Atlanta airport for 7 hours Tuesday. Surprisingly, I don't feel like not being able to exercise is causing me to slip into old behaviors. I'm actually tracking my calories well and still eating healthily. But I am feeling a bit crazy that I haven't seriously sweat or felt muscle soreness in nearly a week. Hoping that later today I can go for an easy walk.

How do you guys deal with being sick and keeping your motivation?

niniundlapin

I'd say fear?! Fearing that my weight will slowly creep up during my recovery and destroy all good records I once made.

Whenever I reach a new goal (weight, measurement, etc.), I tend to see that as a new standard/ starting point and would never want to "fall from that point again." That's why I kept changing my goal weight, revising my workout routine, and constantly seeking new food choice/ replacement to keep myself "entertained" enough to not wanting to stop.

Speaking of which, I'm now in the recovery stage from a surgery that prevents me from most forms of exercise (I really don't consider "taking a walk" an exercise unless I'm walking fast enough). Today is the 4th day since the surgery and I really don't feel comfortable by diet control alone. I mean, I'm fine with that & still watch what I eat (plus it's the only thing I can really do now), but this idea of no cardio/ no weight training makes me nervous as day goes by... But I guess I'll freak out more if I do see weight-gain/ measurement increase by the time I recover

lorrpb

When I'm sick I need to take care of that. I try to walk if I can, since that's part of my regular routine. As soon as I'm on the mend I get back to my regular workout schedule. You will learn that if you workout regularly, a week off won't destroy you. Even if your fitness does fall off a tad, it's ok, that's just how life goes.

arditarose

I just stick to my calories and get over it. I actually have deloads programmed into my routine (weeks at very light weight) for performance/recovery purposes. Even then, I am itching to have a more strenuous workout. But hey, you have to recover. There are going to be times when you get sick. You can learn to understand your body, when to push yourself, when to make sure you stay in bed.

sadinplaid

arditarose wrote: »

I just stick to my calories and get over it. I actually have deloads programmed into my routine (weeks at very light weight) for performance/recovery purposes. Even then, I am itching to have a more strenuous workout. But hey, you have to recover. There are going to be times when you get sick. You can learn to understand your body, when to push yourself, when to make sure you stay in bed.

So true! I can't remember the last time I've spent so much time on the couch doing nothing, but I'm taking the break, alternating between rewatching The Office and napping. Keeping the long range view of things and knowing a week off from being sick doesn't have to equate to "falling off the wagon."

Love seeing everyone's comments!

Neanbean13

Yep. Luckily I don't get sick. However I got INJURED.
it was seriously the biggest Mind fk! I was lifting 3 times a week plus 2 conditioning, and tore my adductor. Couldn't do anything.
Went through roller coaster of emotion. Denial, anger acceptance. I wasn't recording food at time, and that event made me do it.
I had to plan what I could do, what I could work on. Walking, core, arms.
A sickness is only a short term issue and fitness comes back quick after a week. Be thankful it's only that!
You recording food so weight gain, no issue.
I too just like the feeling of the sweat, the pump, the challenge. Do gentle exercise, work on mobility or something you may not focus on during this 'break' and your body will enjoy the recovery.

sadinplaid

Finally made it to the gym this morning. My trainer wasn't too rough on me since it's been about a week since I worked out last, but the jump squats will definitely be felt tomorrow! It feels really good to get through an illness and a hiatus from working out and to know it doesn't mean anything larger than just that. I was sick, I took a break, and now I'm back, and my weight didn't fluctuate, and I didn't fall off the wagon into a binge eating hole! Woot!

vespiquenn

sadinplaid wrote: »

Finally made it to the gym this morning. My trainer wasn't too rough on me since it's been about a week since I worked out last, but the jump squats will definitely be felt tomorrow! It feels really good to get through an illness and a hiatus from working out and to know it doesn't mean anything larger than just that. I was sick, I took a break, and now I'm back, and my weight didn't fluctuate, and I didn't fall off the wagon into a binge eating hole! Woot!

That's awesome that you were able to keep momentum.

I'm am feeling the loss of motivation right now, which is the first time in the last year. I injured my knee from running, which has caused a chain reaction of finding out I have a crooked pelvis and bad hip pain. Because of the knee pain, I barely can walk some days, so my workouts have become inconsistent. But today I'm pulling myself up by the shoe strings and getting back into the game. This is why dedication is so important. Motivation fades, but dedication keeps you going.

LessthanKris

I honestly usually still workout during a cold. I find once I get moving I feel okay. I would not do it if I had nausea or a fever but colds I have a hard time letting a cold put me out. I workout at home though. I would not spread my germs all over a gym.