To Workout While Sick or Not?

Brace yourself, officially it’s the start of the flu season and it can come out of nowhere. Wherever you are in your workout routine, you find yourself debating on whether you should continue the workout of just rest.

Let’s face it, there seems to be two outcomes when you’re dealing with the flu. Either you’re able to push through the day or you feel like you are lying on death’s doorstep. From personal experience, I find the key is to listen to your body and to react appropriately to the symptoms you are dealing with. You may be able to workout while dealing with certain flu symptoms. In fact, it may help you feel better if you do decide to workout. However, working out while you are weak could do more damage than good.

If you are dealing with symptoms that may include a runny nose, sore throat; a little coughing and sneezing…..I personally would workout. A workout with a low to moderate intensity would be fine and may help fight off these symptoms of the flu. I would suggest something light; maybe do yoga or Pilates. Working out at home would be your best option if possible. Many helpful programs like PIYO are available on DVD. You can also find a ton of useful videos on YouTube and it’s free! An added benefit of staying at home will keep you from spreading those nasty germs to others members in the gym. However, if you are like some people I know, make sure you wipe down every piece of equipment you use, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands regularly if you do decide to workout. For the first 10 minutes gage how you are feeling. Continue your workout if you feel fine after 10 minutes. But if you feel worse than when you started, stop immediately. Go and rest! Listen to your body.

Now on the other hand, if you are suffering with symptoms that include: an intense cough, fever, vomiting and diarrhea; do not workout. Your body is putting up a fight to get you better. Working out while you are weak will keep your body from healing. I promise the world will not end if you miss a workout. Just let the virus run its course. You can always get back on track once you start to feel better.

There are a few things you may want to remember when you are sick. Number one, listen to your body. If you are not careful and ignore what it is telling you, your goals may be thrown way off track. You may just cause your recovery time could be prolonged. Second, hydrate! It is recommended to drink clear fluids. Water is known to help flush the toxins that are attacking your body. Third, be cautious with what you are eating. Stay away from foods high in sugars and fats. You do not want to eat items that will just make you feel worse. A good term to remember is BRAT: bananas, rice, apples, and toast. These things along with clear soups would be good to eat when you are sick. Finally, get plenty of sleep. Resting allows your body the strength to knock out what is attacking it. Try using an air humidifier while you sleep also. I know that using one while anyone in our home is sick, helps with breaking up some of the junk that can get into your chest. If you are still feeling bad or start to get worse after 2 weeks, I highly suggest in going see your doctor. There could be a chance that it’s more than just the regular flu.

I pray that this flu and cold season is kind to you all! No one likes to get sick. Remember, there are a few things that you could do to possibly help protect yourself from getting sick. Make sure to wash your hands regularly, along with using hand – sanitizer. Get your daily dose of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Eat some fruits and veggies high in antioxidants such as: citrus fruit, berries, dark leafy veggie (spinach and kale), carrots, and sweet potatoes. Also make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Most of us do not get enough rest. That eventually catches up with us. A weak immune system is ideal for germs to attack.

My conclusion, if you feel like you can make it through a workout, do it. If you are not feeling up for it, do not go. Rest is best. Simple enough right?