With the flu and other illnesses frequenting the area this time of year, people, especially athletes, wonder, "Should I exercise or continue my training routine with a cold?"
Continuing an exercise or training routine while sick depends on the symptoms that you are experiencing. Experts say that it is okay to continue with a moderate routine if the symptoms are above your neck and you are not experiencing a fever. However, they say that is it best to lay off the intense routines for about two weeks if you are experiencing signs of the flu. These signs include swollen lymph glands, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, and fever. In conclusion, use your head and take a break from the gym if you think you could be sick. Chances are it will only make it worse and take the cold longer to leave your system. Plus, you are going to get much more out of an exercise or training routine when you are feeling 100% healthy.
For tips on preventing a cold, click here.
I'm glad you chose this to write about. I always wondered about this. I figured maybe if I exercise I could just sweat it out. but I never knew that its ok to exercise to a degree if you have symptoms above the head. I'm glad I know this now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting blog you posted and it is very helpful for those that are sick to be careful while working out. I know from experience when having a bad cold sometimes it is hard to strenous acitivity like basketball because it is so hard to breath at times. Sometimes I feel you just have to push through the sickness and eventually you will feel better. Your post is helpful in making me understand that working out while sick is not always the best choice.
ReplyDeleteGood blog, and good information to know, I especially like the part were is talked about how if the symptoms are above your neck and you are not experiencing a fever then its ok to do moderate exercise. although I will say I don’t know if I could lay off workouts for 2 weeks if I was sick because I just think I would go crazy : )
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