do you work out when you're feeling sick?

dcglobalgirl

I'm definitely coming down with a cold, headachy, phlegmy, tired, sore throat. Should I just power through or give it a rest?

DoomCakes

If you're body is telling you you're sick I'd say listen to it and get rest. Get some vitamin c in you, drink some green tea with honey, take a hot bath and then take a nap. If you feel better later just do some light working out. But your body is important to listen to.

Rachlmale

I felt like I was coming down with something yesterday. I took a complete rest day, ate lots of fruit and feel fine today It's up to you, I believe working hard when you're feeling ill will only make you worse.

Ge0rgiana

I'm just getting over that. Personally, I had to take a few days off because getting out of bed was challenging. I say if you can, awesome. If your body's just beat down like mine was, time off is actually a good thing. Hope it doesn't last long! :flowerforyou:

Becoming_A_Butterfly

If I don't have a fever, I will still work out, though I may modify my routine, depending how I feel. I may not lift as heavy weights or do as intense cardio, for example. Usually a workout helps me feel a little better. If I feel like I can still handle even a light workout, then I go for it.

jasonp_ritzert

Here are my rules: If you are "sick" above the neck (i.e., sinuses, etc.) I say workout because it often makes me feel better and helps clear things up. If you are "sick" below the neck, take time off as you need to recover.

megalin9

Ah. First off, I'm sorry you're feeling bad. I have literally been fighting a virus/fever/cold/bronchitis/sinus infection/allergies (in that order) for the last 30 days (yes, I have been counting). Up until now, I have had low oxygen saturation levels, so I wasn't able to do a lot of cardio like my typical Tuesday spin class. Today will be my first attempt since I first got sick. With that said, I still made myself go to the gym and either get on a stationary bike or walk for 10 minutes and then lift some weights. I struggled, but I did it. I just did it slower and less intense...and rested a lot. Hope you feel better soon and can find some energy and motivation to get to the gym, even for some light activity!

neverstray

A lot of people say, above the neck, it's ok. Below the neck, rest. I just do what I feel. I'm a baby, so I even call in sick to work when I have a runny nose.. Lol. True story.

usernamekelly1

I tend to just walk if I'm ill, but I'll work out with a headache etc if it's on my chest then I rest up, because if I don't it lingers for longer.

dcglobalgirl

Thanks everyone! This gives me some good ideas. I'm mostly sick above the neck but my throat hurts (is that above or below?

I'm supposed to do rumba today (very high energy) but I think I'll just go and get on the treadmill so I burn some calories but don't push it too hard.

Shamrock_me

I will still do the work out when I'm sick. Maybe not as hard, or as much, or as heavy. I push through. Everyone is different, every approach to sickness & health issues are too. Do what you feel.... I took 2 days off for a surgery in August. The doctor knew I wasn't going to quit or rest up so he just gave me a list of limitations and had me check in every week including emailing over the MFP reports of what exercises I was doing, how long I was doing them & how much weight I was doing them with. I made him a MFP fan. Now if I could only get my PCP on board...

MissAnjy

The only time I don't work out, is if i'm vomitting.

medaglia_06

Here are my rules: If you are "sick" above the neck (i.e., sinuses, etc.) I say workout because it often makes me feel better and helps clear things up. If you are "sick" below the neck, take time off as you need to recover.

I say this. If it is just a cold, sometimes it helps to sweat it out. If you find you have no energy though, I say rest up.

Abells

sure do! i try to sweat that **** out! hahahhaha

TrailRunner61

Listen to your body. If you have a fever, you're weak, your head hurts, etc., you need to rest!
When I get sick, I rest, eat what I'm up to eating and walk if I feel like it, for exercise. I had the stomach flu over Thanksgiving and I didn't exercise for a week! That's the first time since I've changed my lifestyle that I did that. However, I had horrible stomach pains and couldn't eat for days and I was weak, so I knew it would be pointless and probably slow down the time it would take for me to recover. Now that I feel better, I'll start running again.

mmddwechanged

Rest.