Working out when you're sick: Yay or nay?

[MrsBugi]

I've had flu-like symptoms for about three days now: stuffy nose, congestion, and a headache. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go to the gym for an hour on the elliptical machine, or if I should just stay home and eat cottage cheese with salt n vinegar potato chips.

 

[Pepsi90919]

-yay
+yea

 

[Pepsi90919]

and i wouldn't be able to make it to the gym when i'm sick, so there's your answer

 

[FleshLight]

I find that a game of racquetball or running a few miles makes me feel better.

 

[MazerRackham]

Originally posted by: FleshLight
I find that a game of racquetball or running a few miles makes me feel better.

EDIT: I didn't read the OP correctly the first time through. I thought you were going out for a jog, not going to the gym. It's good you stayed home because you would have (potentially) gotten more people sick.

 

[preCRT]

Originally posted by: MrsBugi
I've had flu-like symptoms for about three days now: stuffy nose, congestion, and a headache. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go to the gym

Do yourself & others a favor, if you are sick do not spread any possible virus or bug to others, wait until you aren't contagious.

 

[indamixx99]

Hey, what's wrong with going to the gym with pink eye? At least people wont be asking if they could work in with you...

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: preCRT

Originally posted by: MrsBugi
I've had flu-like symptoms for about three days now: stuffy nose, congestion, and a headache. I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go to the gym

Do yourself & others a favor, if you are sick do not spread any possible virus or bug to others, wait until you aren't contagious.

Good point.

I ended up not going after all, I hope I feel better tomorrow.

 

[ntdz]

Very bad idea, it could repress your immune system while you're sick, lengthening the time you're sick.

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: ntdz
Very bad idea, it could repress your immune system while you're sick, lengthening the time you're sick.

I wasn't aware of this, thanks for the info ntdz.

I'm glad I stayed home then. Off to bed early tonight, here's to hopefully sleeping it off.

 

[IEC]

Sickness... why do you think doctors prescribe plenty of rest, fluids, and tell you not to do anything strenuous?

Obviously keep the work-out to a minimum/take it easy.

 

[imported_Imp]

Don't know about other aspects, but doesn't flu = energy draining and dehydrating? Compare to exercise...

 

[Chaotic42]

If you're too sick to go to work, you're too sick to have fun.

 

[f4phantom2500]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
If you're too sick to go to work, you're too sick to have fun.

Since when was working out fun? A lot of people think lying in bed sleeping and eating all day is fun.

 

[BriGy86]

I went to the gym sick recently. I did mainly weight lifting though. It drained me and I called in sick the next 2 days because of the disorientation. But who knows perhaps I was just that bad to begin with.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: MrsBugi

Originally posted by: ntdz
Very bad idea, it could repress your immune system while you're sick, lengthening the time you're sick.

I wasn't aware of this, thanks for the info ntdz.

I'm glad I stayed home then. Off to bed early tonight, here's to hopefully sleeping it off.

Well, that's if you're lifting for the mostpart. Go for a run. When you run, your body releases endorphins that make you feel better and stimulate your brain. Don't push it too hard because then you might repress your immune system, but if you go for a light jog, it will help clear up your lungs / sinuses for a bit. I always feel better after a light run when I'm sick.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Ack, double post.

 

[Nik]

What a retarded question. Of course you don't workout when you're sick. Your body is burning energy trying to fight the sickness. The last thing it needs is the dumbass upstairs using that energy to shock muscle growth or beat the hell out of his heart and lungs hoping to be able to lift more or run faster tomorrow.

Logic + common sense = teh winnar.

 

[Whisper]

If you have a fever, or other typical flu-like symptoms, then no. If the symptoms are more indicative of a cold (runny nose, sore throat, etc.), then light exercise can actually help.

 

[MrsBugi]

Originally posted by: Whisper
If you have a fever, or other typical flu-like symptoms, then no. If the symptoms are more indicative of a cold (runny nose, sore throat, etc.), then light exercise can actually help.

No fever, just a runny nose and a sore throat. Thanks for the kind and helpful feedback, whisper.

 

[Amused]

Stay out of the freakin gym when you're sick!!!

I have had three (3) fscking colds in 3 months this year because people can't keep their snotty asses at home when they're sick.

Also, exercise temporarily lowers the immune system (yes, over time it makes it stronger but your immunity is lower right after).

Finally, I'm an avid exerciser and you couldn't drag me to the gym when I'm sick. I respect other people and my own body too much for that.

 

[Lola]

Don't work out when you are sick. Stay home and get better first. Why make yourself feel worse?

 

[j00fek]

i just go into the sauna when im sick

 

[IceBergSLiM]

well this is more a matter of courtesy for others. Do not deliberately impose your sickness on fellow gym members.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: IcebergSlim
well this is more a matter of courtesy for others. Do not deliberately impose your sickness on fellow gym members.

Exactly. And colds spread like wildfire in the gym because everyone is breathing harder, and touching the same surfaces over and over again, then touching their nose and mouth over and over.

Trust me. Just stay home.