This is a question I get asked nearly every year, usually from someone who just hates to miss an exercise session. I didn’t think I was going to get asked this year as winter is almost over in Australia and most of my friends and colleagues have escaped the Swine flu that is sweeping the world.
However, in the last week as a couple of friends have succumbed to some sort of flu-like disease and whether they should exercise or not has come up in conversation.
Whether you exercise or not when you’ve got a cold or flu is obviously dependent on how ill you are and the severity of your symptoms. But it also depends on where the symptoms are in your body.
If all of your symptoms are in your head (blocked or runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and/or scratchy throat) then it’s usually okay to start your workout. I suggest you exercise at a lower intensity than normal and see how you feel. If after 10 minutes or so, if you feel better (or at least no worse) you can increase your intensity and finish your workout.
If you start to feel worse or unusually fatigued, then some chicken soup, vitamin C, fluids, and a few days rest are probably the better option.
But what if “It’s not all in my head…” “
If your symptoms are below the neck (aching muscles, a rasping cough which seems to come from your chest, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea) or if you have a fever then you would be better off giving your exercise a miss and having a rest. Symptoms in your chest or body usually mean you are fighting off an infection. Your body needs all its reserves to fight the illness and get well again. It is not a time to stick doggedly to your routine.
Why you exercise The purpose of exercise is to improve or maintain your fitness. If you exercise while you have symptoms below the neck, chances are you won’t be able to push yourself very hard and even if you do, the body won’t have the capacity to adapt to the exercise stimulus, so you’re wasting your time and energy.
Not only that but it can be dangerous to work out under such conditions, and rest will help you to recover much faster.
Remember….
If it’s in your head… get out of bed. If it’s in your chest…. give it a rest.
What’s your health, fitness or exercise question?
If you have a question about your health, fitness or exercise, send it to me at david@lifelongfitness.info. That way I can make sure I’m addressing the issues you want answers to.
Wonderful! Thanks for solving that one for me David. It is something I have often wondered (and perhaps used as an excuse not to exercise. Shh!)
I really love the memorable phrase too.
Keep up the useful, well written articles.