Can you exercise while you are sick?

mechanicmom

I've got a sinus infection and was wondering if anyone knows if it's okay to exercise while having an infection. I heard something one time that said if the cold is in your head then it's okay to work out but if it's below your neck you should not work out. Anybody have any thoughts?
Thanks.:sick:

mechanicmom

I've got a sinus infection and was wondering if anyone knows if it's okay to exercise while having an infection. I heard something one time that said if the cold is in your head then it's okay to work out but if it's below your neck you should not work out. Anybody have any thoughts?
Thanks.:sick:

icandoit

I don't know about sinus, but when I had a fever, I felt better after working out

deanea

Listen to your body

yenn2

When you work out and sweat it's almost like a fever and I've read that it can be helpful to knock out a bug -- and a gentle workout that gets your endorphins going actually is an immunity boost. However, it's a balancing act because too MUCH exercise takes too much out of you and instead of fighting the bug you have your body will be working toward recovery from the workout. Only you know where the line is !! I would say as long as you drink plenty of water to rehydrate yourself and then some, and take it pretty easy, you should go for it !!

icandoit

I guess I won't work out with a fever again.
Hope this helps.
found on cnn.com




Should you work out when you're sick?
POSTED: 12:13 p.m. EST, November 13, 2006
By Judy Fortin
CNN
Adjust font size:
Cold and flu season is just getting under way in the United States. Before it's over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts, up to 20 percent of Americans will suffer from the flu.

Experts don't know how many professional and amateur athletes will be sidelined by the symptoms, but they do know germs are easily spread in gyms and common workout areas.

At least one expert says that if you think you're coming down with a cold or the flu you should probably skip your daily workout.

"I tell people to listen to their bodies. If they are sick, their body is telling them something is wrong." said Dr. Rick Kellerman of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Even though it may be tempting to not break an exercise routine, working out may actually prolong the illness," Kellerman said. And, in rare cases "viruses can damage heart muscles," he added.

Kellerman said it is a myth that you can sweat out germs and toxins. He acknowledges that "low levels of exercise increase endorphins and benefit the body, but an intense workout that creates high levels of endorphins can wear down the immune system."

In other words, "Don't count on endorphins to heal you," he said.

Kellerman advises his patients to skip their workout if they have a fever. It puts too much stress on the heart, which already is beating faster because of the higher body temperature. If you're suffering from chest congestion, coughing and shortness of breath, he said, you also shouldn't work out. And exercising with a stomach ache will probably make you feel worse, he added.

But if you have the sniffles and milder symptoms of a cold, moderate exercise is probably OK, Kellerman said.

He recommends that athletes use cross-training to learn about different levels of exercise. A cross-training routine can help rebuild strength as you recover. Kellerman also suggests easing back into a full workout.

"When you're feeling better, don't start back at 100 percent," he said. "Start at a lower level. Give yourself time to recuperate [or] you might relapse or prolong the illness."

Another reason to skip the gym if you're sick is to keep from spreading the germs to everyone else.

"Be considerate," Kellerman said. "Wipe down machines, wash your hands and stay home and rest if you really don't feel well."

It's not too late to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease and Control recommends the vaccine for pregnant women, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, and anyone 50 or older. The CDC says "you may be able to pass on the flu before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick."

mechanicmom

Thanks everyone. I am giving in and going to the doctor tomorrow. I've had this for nearly two weeks now. If I remember I will ask the doctor about exercise being sick.

ariannedavis

I go by the neck and up theory, if it's up, you can if it's down, you may want to think twice, or select exercises carefully. The great thing about working out is the increase in circulation, so you get all the goop trapped in your sinus cavities flowing (you want to get it out to get better) and the fresh air does wonders for you too. Even if it's a light walk, go get some fresh air.

Your Dr. will probably put you on antibiotic for infection and decongestant (guaifenesin- stuff in mucinex) to thin the mucous so you can get rid of it. If it ever moves down into your chest, definitely take caution. You can push lower respiratory too far and end up with bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. Hope that helps everyone heading into the winter grunge

mechanicmom

Turns out I have tonsillitis! No wonder I don't feel good! I guess I will be taking it easy for a few days.

SpeSHul_SnoflEHk

I always feel better after a workout. It rarely matters how sick I am.