When you feel during the weather, sometimes everything you can think of is getting out of the house for some fresh air – but how do you know that exercising is a good idea or not? For routine practitioners, it can be difficult to break the habit even if you are not feeling well; Other times it may feel like mild yoga or one Walk outside could do us a little good.
So when is it ok to exercise while you are sick, and when should you skip it? Since we are officially on our way to Cooling and flu seasonPS spoke with three MDs – a mixture of sports medicine and experts on infectious diseases – to get definitive advice on how to approach training when you are ill. Here’s what you should know before you start your sick girl training.
Experts displayed in this article
Jennifer LuzMD, is a board certified in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Boston Orthopedic and Spine. Brian ChowMD, is the head of the positive care clinic at the Harbor-Uucla Medical Center.
Sarah EbyMD, PHD, is a mass general sports medicine physician and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.
Is it ok to exercise while he is sick?
And does it matter if it is a stomach bug, flu or a cold head?
“A large general rule of thumb is to continue exercising if the symptoms are” over the neck, “says Dr. Luz. For example, a chilled with symptoms such as nasal, runny eyes or a mild headache may not be a problem, depending on how you feel; but more major symptoms occurring in the chest or during the rest of the body, such as a fever, a bodily pain, the eating, Influenza symptomsis a reason to avoid exercising while they are sick.
“Symptoms in these areas are a sign that your body is trying to fight a more serious infection, and taking energy and resources away from that effort is likely to extend your recovery,” Dr. Eby, who agrees with “above the neck”.
When you are sick is the most important thing to Listen to your body and rest; When you are sick, you need even more rest than usual to let your body recover, says Dr. Luz. If you put extra load on your body from exercising while you are sick, it will probably take your body even longer to heal from your illness and recover from the exercise you do.
Is it ever good to exercise while he is sick?
One of the many Benefits of training Is it Good for your immune system“But this is a long -term effect over time,” explains Dr. Chow. “Exercising while ill does not necessarily make you better faster, and it is perfectly good to give yourself a passport if you do not feel 100 percent.”
If you are worried about your training progress, remember that “you will not lose all your fitness and strength by taking it easy (or completely) for a few days,” adds Dr. Eby.
But if your symptoms are over your neck and you feel good enough to exercise, some mild for moderate exercise can actually help you feel a little better, as it can help clear congestion, says Dr. Eby. Dr. Luz adds that exercise can increase circulation, improve oxygen exchange (which can give you more energy) and stimulate your immune system.
Still, rest is important, and you don’t want to press it, even if you feel ok. Dr. Chow expresses it briefly: “If you are looking for a PR, it probably won’t happen if you’re sick.”
When you absolutely should not exercise while you are ill
If you have a fever, it is best to skip any physical activity. “A fever is also a sign that your body is diverting resources to fight an infection, and it may be a sign that something more serious than a cold or the flu is ongoing,” says Dr. Chow. “A fever is a marker for inflammation and physical stress in the body. We do not want to add additional physical stress to the body on top of this physiological condition,” adds Dr. Luz.
In addition, you should avoid exercise if you feel dizzy or easy, says Dr. Eby. And if you have Heart or lung problemsYou should discuss exercise when you are ill with your doctor, as diseases such as colds and pneumonia can put additional stress on the important organs, adds Dr. Chow.
Follow these recommendations if you are going to work out
If you are going to exercise while sick, all three doctors recommend lower intensity, such as walking and yoga, over high -intensity workouts. “High -intensity fitness training or high -intensity weight lift is generally not recommended,” says Dr. Luz. And if you need to do these types of workouts for any reason, Dr. Eby to start with a lower intensity than usual, take into account rest as needed and shorten your workout. It’s about listening to your body, says Dr. Chow.
“Take extra caution in heating, cool down and stretch you to help the body recover while it is under further stress from a disease,” adds Dr. Luz.
Hydration is also extremely importantAll three doctors say, because both illness and exercise can dehydrate you; And so is to get lots of sleep for recovery.
And for the sake of others, try to keep your bacteria for yourself. Exercise at home If you feel it up to it, and if you need or really want to meet the gym, make sure to wash your hands and work out caution (no wording intended) to avoid getting others sick, says Dr. Eby. Practice Good gymnastics: Wipe down the equipment, avoid touching the face and eyes and carrying hand cleaning, the doctors say. When cleaning the equipment, you should wipe down everything that your body touches and let the area dry before using it, says Dr. Chow. Dr. Eby recommends avoiding group classes from the sake of others if you are contagious.
Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS that focuses on health, fitness, food and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communication industry and has been writing for PS for over four years.
