Exercising When Sick

bd12310007
bd12310007 Posts: 24
in Fitness and Exercise
Is it bad to do? I have a fever today, and feel really tired, but I feel guilty about not burning enough calories, and feel like getting sick is going to de-rail be from my goals. I also, don't lose that much weight when I get sick. In fact, sometimes I even gain weight because I still have an appetite and I don't work out.

Replies

  • JenniTheVeggie
    JenniTheVeggie Posts: 2,474 Member
    If you have the energy to do it without vomiting or passing out then go for it!
  • Iron_Lotus
    Iron_Lotus Posts: 2,295 Member
    I listen to my body when i'm sick.
  • kittyhasclaws
    kittyhasclaws Posts: 446 Member
    Your body needs to rest in order to repair. You have a fever to kill off the baddies in your system. Don't feel guilty about missing a day or two when you're truly ill. Your body needs sleep more than it needs a workout!
  • silver_arrow3
    silver_arrow3 Posts: 1,373 Member
    But stressing your body in addition to being sick could very well slow down the process of overcoming the illness. I would take the time off, ESPECIALLY with a fever. You're heating your already overheated body. Not the best idea.
  • Zara11
    Zara11 Posts: 1,247 Member
    Fever? Don't mess with it. Your body needs extra rest, extra fluids, and good food for a few days.

    If it's something less drastic, just trade in your workout for something less high-intensity, i.e. a walk instead of a run.
  • mogali5
    mogali5 Posts: 1
    If I were you I wouldn't. I exercised when I was coming down w/the flu. I literally thought I would pass out on the treadmill. It was awful! I think your body needs to work on getting better not working out.
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    It is not bad to do, but as the others have said you should listen to your body and do what you can do without making yourself feel worse. That said, do not let yourself get in the mindset of feeling guilty for not working out. It's totally ok to miss a workout if you are sick or something important comes up.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,470 Member
    Never exercise when you have a fever. Would Mom have let you play outside when you were sick?
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    Why is everyone so afraid of a rest day??
  • Terree_G
    Terree_G Posts: 69 Member
    I recently read an article by some expert or other (possibly a real doctor) who said to use this guideline: if the symptoms are from the neck up (head cold, congestion, etc.) go ahead and exercise; it can even help. If it's full-body (aches and pains, and fever to boot), REST.
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    So, I've been at this weight loss/fitness thing for about three years. when I look back over the 1000+ days, I know that the times I made myself workout when I was sick did not get me closer to my goals any faster. Just rest. You're sick. 200-500 cals don't matter over a lifetime.
  • bd12310007
    bd12310007 Posts: 24
    Thanks for the tips!
  • Ninguneado73
    Ninguneado73 Posts: 832
    In the long run it will actually hurt your fitness plans and goals. We all get sick. Just try to recover by resting.
  • Pearlyladybug
    Pearlyladybug Posts: 882 Member
    I recently read an article by some expert or other (possibly a real doctor) who said to use this guideline: if the symptoms are from the neck up (head cold, congestion, etc.) go ahead and exercise; it can even help. If it's full-body (aches and pains, and fever to boot), REST.

    Yup, Thats what i go by as well I always feel better after working out if i have a stuffy/runny nose etc I like to "sweat it out " but last week i had a sore neck and shoulders head ache could sleep all day kind of sickness and i took the rest of week off to recover and then come Monday i was good to go again.

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