Reduce Exercising While Sick

Nov 15

I hate when I’m sick and don’t feel like doing anything! I’ve been under the weather the past couple weeks. Sometimes it’s just feeling a bit off and other days, major headache fever and congestion. Times like this I take extra care to stay hydrated, eat fruits and veggies, take my supplements and think about what I’m eating. Otherwise I’ll fall into living on microwave popcorn and tea.

Then the decision comes. Should I exercise? Should I tackle some physical projects today? On a physical level my body is really telling me to take it easy. So what do you do when you feel tired and achy, but sitting around seems like giving up! Part of me wants to just exercise and “push my way through it”.

The Neck Check

If your symptoms are above the neck, headache, sniffles, slight scratchy throat, it’s likely alright to go for a toned down version of your exercise routine. Typical colds where you aren’t feeling symptoms throughout your body shouldn’t keep you from getting physical. Try it for a little while, stopping now and then to see how you feel. If any symptoms increase, back it off or stop. Your body may need more time to rebuild the immune system.

I think there is some value in telling yourself that you are getting better and you are going to go through the day as normal. But once I start feeling overheated or dizzy, I know I will feel better faster if I take it easy.

I know we are all different. Some exercise daily or have very physical jobs and they can’t become sedentary every time they catch a cold or their allergies flare up. I think the phrase “rest assured” fits well here. Get a good nights sleep and give your body its best chance to recover, by taking it easy. Don’t beat yourself up over “wimping out”. You will be well and back to your fitness program sooner by taking a breather when you are really sick.

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