Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Thinking About Exercising While Sick?

Over the past few weeks it seems as though my clients are dropping like flies!  Everyone's got some type of bug or another and they all ask me if I think it would be safe to exercise.

A rule that most fitness professionals like to go by is the "Above or Below the Neck" rule:

Above: If you have a typical head cold and aren't experiencing headaches then I would say you're probably ok to go ahead and do some light exercise.   I find that by doing some light cardio and weights will my raise body temperature and help to relieve my sinus congestion.  Just be sure to keep the intensity down a few notches as your immune system is weak.  Too much stress could cause your symptoms to worsen or take longer to go away.

Below: If you have fever, aches, chest congestion, nausea or an upset stomach, it's best that you let your body rest and recover.  Your body temperature is generally higher in these instances and exercise will only raise it further.  Remember, anything over 38°C (98.6°F) is considered a fever.  You've got to let your body recover before putting it through a stressful workout.  Once you begin to recuperate, you can start your program again gradually until you're back to your pre-sick self.

I personally feel like everyone should listen to their bodies before making any decisions regarding exercise.  I know it can be really hard when you are seeing results and kicking ass at the gym only to have a setback like the flu.  Just remember, the goals you're reaching are lifelong and learning how to cope with these setbacks is what will ultimately keep you on the right path!

Ooh, I almost forgot!  Don't you remember in school when a child came to class sick?  Soon enough your whole classroom was sick, too!  Be mindful of your fellow gym mates and please avoid the gym when you're feeling under the weather :)

Hope everyone's having a fantastic day and enjoying this surprising sunshine!  Get outside and move people!!!!

Jenn
www.oceancitymobilefitness.com

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