ok to do cardio or strength when sick?

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2/1/12 1:14 P

If you have a fever, absolutely NO WORKING OUT. If you're sick enough where you called out of work or cancelled social plans, NO WORKING OUT.

The gym is what keeps me sane this time of year, so it's really hard for me to skip workouts. In general, if I don't have a fever and I'm only "a little under the weather" but still can go to work, etc. then do a shorter, easier workout. For example, normally I do 45 min of bootcamp type workouts or run 3-4 miles. If I'm sick, I turn the run to a walk of about 3.5 mph on easy inclines or just do the elliptical on the first level of resistance for a half hour or so. Still get the endorphins flowing, still feel like I did something productive and positive with my day, but don't risk straining muscles or hurting yourself.

If you're in doubt, don't work out! Injuring yourself only leads to MORE missed time at the gym than what you would've missed if you skipped a workout because you were sick in the first place.

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2/1/12 9:58 A

Amber, if you're not feeling well, the answer is neither. The last thing a person should do is try to strength train when they are fatigued and not feeling well. You're at a higher risk for injury.

You will not derail your efforts at weight loss or good health if you take a few days off to recover from your illness. Could you do some cardio ? Yes. What will happen ? One of two things. You might feel better after the workout OR you might feel worse and end up in bed. Do you really want to risk having your cold last longer because you want to workout ? that's not healthy.

Learn to listen to your body. If you're not well, take a few days off. If you don't have a fever, you're not hacking up stuff you find in Stephen King novels, if you have a little bit of energy... take a walk around the neighborhood. Don't do anything intense or you do risk injury or further illness.

The fact is, you'll have a much more productive workout when you can workout at 100% of max, not 50% of max. get some rest of you need it.

Posts: 241
1/31/12 7:07 P

I also have the dreaded winter cold, and I know your fear of falling out of routine. If you are up for it, maybe just do the activity with less intensity, take more breaks, use less weight, do a shorter time.

I ran my usual route today, with a stuffy nose/head and sore throat. I just took it easier than usual, and took some walk breaks if I felt like it.

Everything in moderation and all that.

If you are feverish it's probably best to rest rather than exercise, cause the fever is already working your body more than it usually would.

Take care,
Jen

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1/31/12 6:36 P

AMBERINMT,

If you are not feeling well, it's OK to take some time off to let your body recover. Remember healthy living is a life-sentence. You just don't work this way until you reach your goal weight and then give up. While it may take you a few days to get back into the swing of things once you do start feeling better, tis better to let your body heal.

I hope you feel better soon!

Coach Nancy

Posts: 58
1/31/12 6:18 P

I'm starting to get the dreaded winter cold. Never have worked out in the winter before, so now that I'm doing so, is it a good idea to work out with a killer sore throat and extreme tiredness? If I shouldn't do cardio, maybe some strength with the bands/dumbbells at home? Not sure what I should do, if I skip it's too easy to get out of the habit of doing it daily. Please direct me what I should do! Thanks!! :D