I've finally gotten my exercise on track and been doing 5x a week, and now I'm sick. Mild flu, sore throat, sniffles and boday aches, but mostly just really tired. I didn't exercise yesterday and so don't feel like it today either, but I'm feeling guilty about it. There is technically 3 days left in the week so there is still a chance to make it up, should I give myself a break today or suck it up?
Thanks for the feedback. I've just had so much trouble getting my diet and exercise on track that I didn't want to lose momentum. I'm either dieting but not exercising or exercising but not dieting well. That has caused a three month plateau. At least it's been a plateau and not a gain. I'll rest one more day and make up for it the rest of the week and next week!
I'd been advised that the reason for resting during a cold or flu is because you wouldn't be breathing as well. Exercise could lead to shortness of breath in that case.
I follow the neck rule. If all symptoms are above my neck (sore throat, runny nose, moderate headache, sneezing), I exercise. If anything ventures below the neck (cough other than produced by minor throat tickling, fever, body aches, stomach issues), I rest.
And, it gives a solid answer as to whether I myself feel well enough to exercise. I didn't think so, but this tells me definite. I've got the body aches and stomach issues going on.
I'd been advised that the reason for resting during a cold or flu is because you wouldn't be breathing as well. Exercise could lead to shortness of breath in that case.
And it just plain wouldn't be very comfortable.
The real reason is your body needs to heal and really you don't want to exert it to the point that it will be 'distracted' from healing you. I have a cold and have had congestion for a week but I've been exercising. If I had body aches, stomach issues, fever, etc, I would've waited it out.
Exercising when sick -- yay or nay?
