At what point should you take a break from working out when you're ill? Ok. I know this sounds like such a DUH question. And no, I"m not looking for an excuse to not work out this week.
I have a slight cold-i.e. a slight cough (yesterday evening was only a cough now I"m starting to feel it in my chest) and a runny nose (yesterday evening I had a runny nose, today not so much. Both of these symptoms introduced themselves to me last night out of nowhere.
I plan to work out today and probably on Wednesday too if I dont' get worse, and I'm really hoping I"m not going to get a full-fledged cold.
I know that this weight lifting program will physically take a lot out of you and I don't want to quit working out, but I also know I need to take care of my body first.
I generally take it day-by-day and try not to make any plans. I'm really working on listening to my body.
If I feel tired and run down from fighting the cold, I'll either take the day off, or (more likely) go for an easy steady state session to 'sweat it out.' Not sure if that is medically advisable, but in my experience, doctors usually tell me to stop exercising as soon as I have a hang nail, and I don't listen.
If I have a runny nose and some aches, but feel well-rested, I'll workout at about 90% capacity.
Take it day by day and listen to your body. If you feel tired because of the cold, take it easy. If you feel you can workout, by all means, go work out.
In my experience, if I'm feeling just a little under the weather and I hit the gym, I come out feeling ten times better. Migraines, cramps, sniffles - a good workout will blast it right out of you. In fact, I have allergies in the spring and they've started this year, full force, but I'm never stuffed up or sneezy when I'm working out. Get those endorphins pumping!
If you can't breathe right because of your cold, or you have a fever or feel nauseated, I'd stay out of the gym. But if you're just a little tired and have the sniffles, give it a go. You may be surprised.
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"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." - Lois Wyse
I would take it day by day too. If you feel ok, just do it. I agree with rix in that I always feel better during/after a workout. Of course if it's rough just getting through the day to day, go home and hit the hay early and try to sleep it off.
Just remember, if you're going to the gym sick, make sure to clean up after yourself a little more so you don't get anyone else sick!
"On a scale of 0-10, how bad do you feel?
If it's 0-3, you're fine.
If it's 4-5, go in, warm-up, and then see how you feel.
If it's 6, just go in and do something, even if it's just a warm-up.
If it's 7, push things back a day.
If it's 8-9, take a few days to rest.
If it's 10, you shouldn't feel good enough to check emails."
Hopes this helps. I am just getting over a sinus infection too , I feel your pain. Feel better.
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"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."
-Lance Armstrong-
"Hard work beats talent everytime."
-Tony Dungy-
"If you can see yourself doing something you can achieve it." Dave Goggins
"I would rather leave it all out there then not go out there at all." Dave Goggins(Ultramarathon runner)
I am an idiot. I pretty much go in unless I am horizontal from whatever is fighting me. Most times it makes me feel better at least for a little while.
Illness-When To Stop?
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