Exercising when sick -- yay or nay?
 

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?

Flu - no, rest, drink plenty of fluids. If you have fever/body aches, then it is counterproductive to exercise.

Head cold - no fever, no body aches, stuffy nose, then maybe.

Agreed! Get your rest and get to feeling better and then hit the workouts hard! =)

Give your body a break. You need to get some rest! Don't feel guilty about it.

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.

And it just plain wouldn't be very comfortable. :)

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.

That's a good rule.

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.

Originally Posted by LovebirdsFlying:
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.

I usually rest for 3-4 days...