Do you workout when you're sick?

MidnightRadio

I've been off the MFP wagon for the last couple months, and finally got my motivation back. I started going to the gym regularly again last week, but the last few days I've been hit with a terrible cold. I don't want to lose momentum by spending too much time away from the gym, but I'm so congested I'm light-headed.

So what are your thoughts on working out while sick? Do you push through? Or take the time off to let your body heal?

sadlazarus

I push through, but I'm willing to bet that it's frowned upon.

nanbeam

All that does is ensure that you pump that virus to every nook and cranny in your body. Feel better first and then work out!!

red01angel

If its above the neck, yes. If its below, I know that exercising can do more harm than good, so I don't.

wbgolden

If its above the neck, yes. If its below, I know that exercising can do more harm than good, so I don't.

egdanger1

I move my workouts home until I am not contagious anymore. But I don't stop unless I absolutely can't do anything. However, I may ease up a bit on the intensity, only a bit. Working out seems to help my sickness. It's when I am sedentary that prolongs it.

Khorner84

In my case....Im sick right now accompanied by an awful cough. I start coughing like crazy when i try to work out (im coughing quite a bit just typing this). My goal was to get moving on monday but i dont know if that will happen. If there wasnt a cough....i would work out.

UrbanRunner81

I rest when I am sick. If I exercise when I am sick I find I stay sick longer. Usually a day or two I feel good enough to start again.
Also don't go to the gym if you are sick and spread germs...if you choose to workout do it at home.

albinogorilla

nope

meerkat70

Where are you working out? If at the gym, perhaps consider the feelings of those around you too? I get pretty upset if I'm working out and the person on the machine next to me is clearly full of germs...

The average cold takes 3 days to brew, 3 days to clear. You can probably sit it out without doing any serious harm. Walk if you feel you need to stay active. A brisk walk is excellent exercise, but won't put heavy strain on your body.

oswaldbowser

Dont work out !

If your body is sick it will tell you by giving you cetain hints !

ie tiredness, rundown etc etc...... how can you expect to exercise properly when you are like this......rest get better and go to the gym with gusto ! .............plus no one else at the gym will thank you for passing on your cold

blonde20fan

No, I just rest until I feel better. I don't want to tax my immune system even more by pushing myself too hard.

DisneyMommy

I workout at home so yes I work out if I'm sick. BUT that is only if I'm also able to do all my normal day to day tasks. If I were so sick I couldn't work or take care of the kids, etc - I would take time off from working out too. I'm currently battling a head cold. Nasty thing that has me up coughing all night. But I still workout as best I can since I can also do chores, etc too. I think you just need to listen to your own body and of course if you workout at a gym, consider others.

hoyagirl03

Understand you don't want to lose the momentum, but you'll do your body so many more favors by just resting up and getting better only. My doctor told me that if it's just a head cold (and it's kind of mild), you can lift weights but under no circumstances should you do cardio-- you're weakening your body by using so much energy--- but it's just generally frowned upon anyway. Rest up, drink a lot of water and OJ!!! Get well soon!

wolfchild59

As long as the illness isn't in your chest, you're fine to workout. It's even still recommended that you keep working out because it can help you get better faster.

jennyrider

Don't be "that person"! We feel you are diseased with an intent on afflicting others. Stay home, get well...return when u are better.

ChrisStoney

No way, I would rest up! I don't get sick very often, so when I do I rest...

NorthRiver

I'm hardly ever REALLY sick. My stomach barely ever causes me problems, coughs are rare. So when I do get sick, it's usually just a cold, sore throat and a stuffy nose. With that I still work out and I find it even helps me get better. It gets the blood flowing, the nose running and it refreshes me.
Only when every limb aches and I just want to lie down and sleep do I stop working out.

So I'd say: Don't use a runny nose as an excuse to not work out. But DO listen to your body. It will tell you when it's not up for workouts.

kellyscomeback

It really depends on how sick I am. Sniffles and a headache, I'll still work out. Febrile, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling like I was hit by a truck, I'll pass.

Raf702

Depending how sick I am, if it's a runny nose. I work out through it. If my body aches, have nasal congestion. Then I'll wait it out till the body aches go away, then I'll be back on my exercise routine. Might not be as intense, but enough to get my blood pumping, and hit a heart rate in the 140-150's.

catfisch_6

As long as the illness isn't in your chest, you're fine to workout. It's even still recommended that you keep working out because it can help you get better faster.

I've heard that if you are sick, you should try to stay as close to your regular schedule as possible, because excersice actually gives people energy. However, if you are coughing, or haveing any trouble breathing, I would do something light, like walking.

Hope you feel better soon!

wolfchild59

As long as the illness isn't in your chest, you're fine to workout. It's even still recommended that you keep working out because it can help you get better faster.

I've heard that if you are sick, you should try to stay as close to your regular schedule as possible, because excersice actually gives people energy. However, if you are coughing, or haveing any trouble breathing, I would do something light, like walking.

Hope you feel better soon!

Exactly this. And I can attest to it. When my nose is all stuffed up or runny and my head feels congested, the best I feel is right after a run. No cold medicine in the world clears me up like a good run. Plus I haven't gotten truly sick in years and any start of a cold I've gotten since I've been working out has disappeared in a flash.

cutiepie2628

it all depends on how sick u r.... if you have a slight cough sore throat... i will try to do a little exercise but if ur feeling light headed the last thing you want to do is work out .... my thoughts any way... but i do hope you feel better love:happy:

MidnightRadio

Thanks for your input everyone!

I didn't go to the gym yesterday, but I'm feeling a bit better today so I'm going later tonight. I've been sick for about 3/4 days now, so I THINK I'm past the contagious stage where it's okay for me to be at the gym.

katelyn1roesner

for sure working out will continue to boost your immune system and will make you feel much better! power trough it

bassett8807

I currently have a head cold but I have been working out when I feel I can. I wouldn't say stop working out but maybe take it a bit easier. Listen to your body, it'll tell you when to stop.

AmyEm3

It depends--I have a cold and cough right now but I'm still doing some light strength training and running. While I was running yesterday was the only time I WASN'T coughing all day.

BUT, I've had other illnesses (strep throat) where there is no way I could even think about doing anything.