A Hello and a Question About Being Sick

[DuckGal]

Hi, my name is Dani. I'm new to this forum and BodyBuilding. I joined because my friend encouraged me to enter the competition, but also because I really want to be healthy and in shape. I live in Western Canada with my husband and son. I have a 2 year old that's still breastfeeding, but I'm hoping a new exercise plan will help to wean him. I feel like I'm always busy. Just starting a new career as a financial advisor and also working on illustrations so I can be a picturebook author *faints*

Okay, on to my question. I was working out just before Christmas... maybe 2-3 times a week. Then I got sick with a cold (coughing a lot and having a hard time breathing). I'm over that now, but my son is sick with another cold and I'm afraid I'm going to get sick again. I hope not and will take preventative measures, but I still want to work out while sick.

I've been told that it's bad to work out while sick, but I find that there are days that I can do things (especially with a cold) even if they aren't to the same level as when I'm well. My question is do I need to stop working out if I get a bad cold, or are there exercises I can do if breathing is an issue? Any exercises would be good, because I don't want to stop completely. TIA for any help you can give!

[oregonchick76]

If you are working out in public and are contagious, it is just courtesy to stay home.

If you are working out at home or are not contagious, then do what feels good. If you feel exhausted and horrible, don't force it. If you just feel crummy but going through the motions feels good, then do that.

[thehobbes]

I'm still getting over the same thing. When I first got sick I stayed out of the commercial gym for a week (was REALLY sick so I deloaded), when I first started back I lifted at home to make sure I was alright, then went back to the commerical gym too. Pretty sure I can't possibly be contagious anymore, it's been 3 weeks but I'm still coughing sometimes. If you're at that point just take some Dayquil and you should be ok. If any kind of exercise makes you feel like you're dieing then take some more time off.

[DuckGal]

Oh yeah, I would never go somewhere and share my germs like that. I mean sweating, coughing and sneezing sure don't mix! I do all my workouts at home right now. I had a gym pass for years and just wasn't motivated to go. I think if I join something else it will be something for cardio only, and hopefully when I move that place will have a weight room.

[sweetkissees918]

Rule of thumb for sickness and working out are...

If your sickness is above the neck (stuffy nose, headache, minor cough, head congestion, etc) Go for it.

If your sickness is below the neck (fever, body aches, chills, chest congestion, etc) rest, rest, rest.

[marinajason]

You have to do small exercises, until your health is not become perfect for gym exercise.. Get well soon.

[famousa88]

Oh yeah, I would never go somewhere and share my germs like that..

Thank you!! Not everyone is as considerate. I'm not sure that it is a coincidence that they are often the same people who don't cover their mouth/nose when sneezing/coughing. Such a pet peeve!

[whatevergirl]

Rule of thumb for sickness and working out are...

If your sickness is above the neck (stuffy nose, headache, minor cough, head congestion, etc) Go for it.

If your sickness is below the neck (fever, body aches, chills, chest congestion, etc) rest, rest, rest.

i agree with that.

OP, if your body is truly trying to fight an infection, it can only do so much. so to exhaust it with a workout might prolong your sickness. interestingly, i haven't been sick sick in a long time...but when i have been feeling lousy, i tend to just rest a day or two, cuz my workouts end up not being all that great, if i'm not focused. (i'm not focused when i don't feel good)

like oregonchick said above...basically, just listen to your body.

[nojennyno]

I went through the same thing for two weeks! Then I got a vaccination for traveling to another country, which kept me in bed for another week.

Best thing is to recover through the roughest patch then work out with better energy level. You are your own judge with this one. I went to the gym when I wasn't contagious, but was working out at about 50% and felt even worse afterwards.