Do you workout when sick?

[GrantMeThePower]

I have a nasty cold that has been lingering around for like a week. I'm trying to decide if i should work out today (missed my last two) because i'm feeling a bit better but not great.

Do you guys workout when ur sick?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Lifting is usually a no-no because it can suppress the immune system. However, light cardio such as a slow jog/swim or even a brisk walk can help clear up your airways and get things flowing. It usually helps me get better a couple days earlier.

 

[RagingBITCH]

In addition to SC's comments - we don't want your sick germs all over the equipment either. Seriously, stay home till you're better, or go outside and get some kind of excercise.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
In addition to SC's comments - we don't want your sick germs all over the equipment either. Seriously, stay home till you're better, or go outside and get some kind of excercise.

My theory is what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger when it comes to germs Sure, I get sick, but I have some good immunities because of it. Haha.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
In addition to SC's comments - we don't want your sick germs all over the equipment either. Seriously, stay home till you're better, or go outside and get some kind of excercise.

My theory is what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger when it comes to germs Sure, I get sick, but I have some good immunities because of it. Haha.

My theory is alcohol (beer in particular) kills the germs, hence me drinking all the time

No but seriously, there was a time about 2 years ago. Early morning, super packed gym. Only one treadmill open and it had sweat on the handles and keypad. Ended up using it, and got, well, pretty ill let's put it that way. Sick people do not belong at the gym, or at least should have the courtesy to clean up the machine afterwards. (That's meant for everyone, not just sick people)

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Lifting is usually a no-no because it can suppress the immune system. However, light cardio such as a slow jog/swim or even a brisk walk can help clear up your airways and get things flowing. It usually helps me get better a couple days earlier.

Agreed - no lifting if you're sick. For cardio-related exercise, it varies:

Fever = no
Headache/migraine = no
Flu (with fluid in chest) = no
Flu (clogged nostrils, cough only; chest clear) = yes.

In fact, if all you have is a head cold, you can run/bike pretty much as hard as you want. You won't be as fast or strong as usual, and you will need a bit more recovery afterwords, but you won't do any damage. And as SC points out, it will clear up your nostrils nicely.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
And as SC points out, it will clear up your nostrils nicely.

Snot rockets away!!! My sinuses are always clogged, I snot up quick while running and biking.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

Thanks guys. I was planning on lifting. I guess I'll wait till wed and should feel better then.

i HATE not lifting.

 

[Megatomic]

I know how you feel. It really sucks to miss a planned workout.

 

[Kipper]

Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
Thanks guys. I was planning on lifting. I guess I'll wait till wed and should feel better then.

i HATE not lifting.

While I understand this feeling - quite like missing an appointment you can't cancel - sometimes it's better to take some time off. Lets your body recover a bit more. You also come back into the gym more mentally focused, which ramps up the effectiveness and intensity of the exercise.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
And as SC points out, it will clear up your nostrils nicely.

Snot rockets away!!! My sinuses are always clogged, I snot up quick while running and biking.

Yep, when I run, I fire snot rockets and hock loogies with the velocity and accuracy of an F-16 .

 

[Megatomic]

I don't get throat phlegm much but my sinuses fill and run continuously. My son is constantly dodging snot. hehe

 

[allies]

If your sickness' symptoms are confined to your neck and above, then go ahead and do light cardio. If you have symptoms lower than your neck, take a couple days of rest.

 

[imported_Imp]

How bad is the cold?

I had the flu a month back, and my strength was completely sapped for a few weeks. I tried to do some cardio on an exercise bike, but my god, I just couldn't do it. Cause of this, I didn't dream of playing with my dumbells.

A cold like a runny nose or cough is fine. It actually makes me feel better.

 

[PingSpike]

Not to be contrary, but I read an article just the other day that had a few medical studies on this. I'm having trouble finding it, but they had a number of college students intentionally infect themselves with rhinovirus and exercise. The crux of it was that there seemed to be no increase in recovery time between the control and exercising group and I believe there wasn't a decrease in performance...much to the surprise of the researchers.

I think it referenced two studies, both with small sample sizes that replicated the results.

 

[wwswimming]

depends on how sick & how it makes you feel.

it's good to get your blood moving. you can always downsize your workout at times like
that.