Exercising when sick?

djkshdfd
djkshdfd Posts: 443 Member
edited September 30 in Fitness and Exercise
Is it okay to exercise when you are sick? Is there anything to keep in mind when doing so?

Replies

  • kwest_4_fitness
    kwest_4_fitness Posts: 820 Member
    Personally, I wouldn't. Your body needs time and energy to heal itself and if you use that to exercise, you may prolong your illness.
  • FairyMiss
    FairyMiss Posts: 1,812 Member
    would depend on how sick, sick in what way. but really anytime you are sick your body is already working hard to deal with it, and if you physcial stress it there is always the danger of getting worse
  • flimflamfloz
    flimflamfloz Posts: 1,980 Member
    Depends on how sick, but I usually try to be "conservative" with my energy, and not exercise.
    Better to be cured and ready to go in a couple of days, than strain myself and stay a few extra days in bed.
  • MrBrown72
    MrBrown72 Posts: 407 Member
    I do, but then I follow a "sweat it out" philosophy about being sick. That said, it may not be a great idea. DO make sure you are plenty hydrated (with water) before you work out.
  • deadmittens
    deadmittens Posts: 536 Member
    I have a pretty strong immune system from working in a clinic, so I've only been sick once or twice since starting... but when I WAS sick I found it really helpful to go to the gym when I had a cold. Yes, your body needs rest. Yet at the same time exercise releases feel good endorphins that make you feel much better. I don't know if it's just me, but my runny nose and chest cough cleared up while I was using the elliptical. It felt great!

    But I know it's a good excuse to say "Oh I'm sick I don't have to exercise." I've also done that ;)
    If you're going to do it I would just recommend drinking plenty of liquids after, and drink some orange juice to keep that feel good energy going.
  • AbbyAmenson
    AbbyAmenson Posts: 3
    It depends on what your sick with. I would think if you stay hydrated at least a light work out would be okay. I have fibromialgia and my dr's recomend any workout that doesn't cause more pain. And they say to do something to work out because it makes you feel better. Even on my rough days at least doing yoga on my Wii fit makes me feel better. If you are sick but feel up to working out, grab some water and go for it :) you can always stop if it get to be to much. Good Luck!
  • Shell_7609
    Shell_7609 Posts: 786 Member
    I try to do a little bit, at least something like taking the dog for a walk, just not as much as I normally would do, and make sure to stay extra hydrated.
  • djkshdfd
    djkshdfd Posts: 443 Member
    Just in response. It seems like a head cold...some congestion, sore throat, headache. Luckily no fever. I went to circuit training in the morning yesterday and I wasn't sure if my actions would prolong this.
  • knelson827
    knelson827 Posts: 4 Member
    Only exercise when you're sick if you have a good understanding of your illness and how your body reacts. I assume you're just talking about the common cold/flu symptoms. I almost always exercise when I'm sick as the exertion helps to flush things out. However, I scale things down to the level of acknowledging I'm not the same. Say go at 75% effort. I read a strong report on this based on medical fact and it confirms this. My colds are rarely that severe because of this. However, the report did say there is a chance you could stretch your illness out a little longer if you exert yourself too much and make yourself weaker. Ultimately, I go back to my lead in. You have to know your body and how it reacts before you undertake exercise while sick. If you don't, I recommend against it.
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