Many people have asked me if they should exercise if they're sick. First thing I ask is, how sick are you? Do you have a common cold, a long term illness, the H1N1 virus or a different strand of the flu? Secondly, are you contagious? Have you been put on an antibiotic, and how long has it been since you first started taking it? Lastly, what kind of exercise do you want to be doing?
For those of you who hate missing the gym or are trying to stick to your routine, here is my advice:
1) Be conscious of others if you are contagious. There is nothing worse than seeing someone coughing into their hands or wiping their noses and touching the exercise equipment. (We've all seen it haha). People go to the gym to be healthy, so as much as you want to be there spare us all any contagious germs.
If you have a trainer, be honest with your trainer and they will give you advice on if you should come in or not. Trainers are in close contact with numerous people throughout the week, so be aware if you get them sick you are impacting their entire business/ clientele.
2) If you have something that your doctor has prescribed medicine for, give yourself about 24 hours for it to take effect. It is around this time that most doctors say you are no longer contagious.
3) If you are a little under the weather but still feel pretty good, a
good cardio routine may actually be good for you. Running, for
example, keeps the lymph system moving effectively because you are
pounding on the ground forcing the fluid to move. By exercising you
may be helping your tissues get rid of waste much quicker, thereby
decreasing the amount of time it takes for your body to feel better.
4) If you have something that effects your breathing, balance or
coordination. Rest up. Exercise requires oxygen and if your body is
not taking it in effectively to begin with, it will only get more
difficult during physical activity. It will not do your muscles,
tissues etc. any good for you to try and exercise without having the
capacity to get the oxygen your muscles need. And exercising would
certainly not be enjoyable.
If you have something like a sinus infection (or anything else that may
throw off your balance and coordination) stay home until that feeling
is gone. Using exercise equipment during this time can be dangerous.
No need to fuel the fire by mis-stepping on the treadmill and falling
and injuring yourself (this can definitely happen, even if you're not
sick haha).
5) If you have something like the flu/H1N1 virus be very cautious. As most of you know, they are extremely contagious.
I have met numerous people that have had H1N1 recently. It can take a
major toll on the body. Some symptoms include a fever, nausea,
headache, sore throat and major cough that can last for longer than a
week. Rest, rest, rest if you have this!!!!!!! At that point your
body needs all the energy it can to fight off this virus and get
healthy. Exercising will make your body worse at this point.
6) If you have something that takes you out of your routine longer than
your workout week, ease back into your routine. If you have a cough it may get
worse during exercise, so be conscious of it.
You may notice your're more tired after your first day back into your
routine. Just continue to get lots of rest and eat healthy.
If you are strength training, go a little lighter the first day. Your muscles have worked hard all week to get you healthy.
7) You know you're body better than anybody else. Trust your judgment
and how you feel. If you feel off, take care of yourself. Head to
your doctor if you are unsure or have any questions.
Stay safe and healthy this season.
And of course, have a fun and fit day, Chicago.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: exercise, H1N1 virus, sick
I can never go to the gym with anything more than a slighty stuffy nose, without feeling especially weak afterwards, anyway. But point well taken on cleaning off equipment especially good. Those spray bottles are around for a reason!