Do you work out or rest when you're sick?

fmbomzo

I feel like I'm coming down with either a cold or flu-like something. I'm stuffy but sneezing and achy, but not sure if that's from yesterday's lifting or illness.

I didn't do my normal circuit training today. I just took a short brisk walk at work to get some exercise in.

When you're feeling a little sick, how do you gauge when you skip your workouts or just lighten up on the intensity?

belinus

Rest. Working out can inhibit your recovery from the illness and the illness can inhibit your workout.

AmyRhubarb

If it's above the neck - head congestion, runny nose, etc, as long as there's no fever I'd still workout, although probably less intensely. If it's below the neck - chest congestion, aches all over, I'd skip it and rest up.

Hope you feel better!

fmbomzo

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll take a rest day or two. I am feeling progressively worse. The sockets of my eyes even hurt...lol!!!

zoegator

I suffer from Chronic Bronchitis and I experience an outbreak every 6 months, once in the summer and once in the winter. This summer I AVOIDED it with the use of exercise and a good combo of medicines. I've never exercised while sick before, but this time I did and I overcame it in less than a week, compared to 2-3 weeks like usual.

I find that it opened up my airways to do some cardio. Obviously, at lower intensity than usual, but something and after the first 5-10 minutes, it wasn't painful or sore to be on the treadmill or on the elliptical.

diannethegeek

It depends on how sick I am. I try to do shorter, low-impact workout, but if my body says no I stay in bed. Resting when needed is just as important to losing weight as exercise!