I had the flu last week and this week I've been "too tired" to go to the gym but I'm not sure if this is a true physical issue or I'm just using the flu as an excuse to be lazy.

Anyone else feel this way? Do you usually push yourself to exercise even if you feel like you don't have the energy? Or do you take it easy until your body feels energetic again (assuming it is a physical issue)?

I don't think I have motivation issues - I've been pretty diligent about going to the gym the past 3 months until the flu hit last week. I also don't want to push myself too hard because I still need energy to do homework and projects after I get home. However, I don't want to let laziness rule either...

I'm usually down for the count for a week or so after fully recovering. At the very least I try to walk the dog a little further or do light exercises to work my way up to it before going back to the gym. I know a lot of folks work out in spite of being sick but I'm just too darn miserable to do that as it is!

The last time I had the actual flu was the first time I'd had it since my early 20s. I could not BELIEVE how long it took me to get back to myself. My symptoms lasted about five days, but for the next two weeks I was just BEAT. I didn't just "not feel like" doing anything, I would sit down for two seconds and go to sleep. I would unload the dishwasher and need a nap. It was crazy.

Give yourself time to recover. Flu takes a lot out of you.

since i started running at the gym last september....ive had bronchitis and 4 bouts of a severe ear infection (same infection, returning 4 times) and was just recently sick as well with sinus problems/sore throat....the only time i took an extended time away from the gym was a week last december when we traveled out of town to the village and then i came down with an ear infection...

i always go to the gym...its a commitment i made to myself...and also the gym charges my card regardless of whether i show up or not and im too cheap to "waste my money" by not going

i tell myself that going to the gym doesnt equal working out HARD....that i can go and just take a nice slow stroll on the treadmill...or sit in the sauna...or something....but just GO and see how i feel...it's part of my routine and i HATE having my routine messed up...but when i get there i have always ended up running on the treadmill

so maybe just go and see how you feel? walk slowly on the treadmill (or whatever you like to do) take it easy, see how you feel, see if you feel like pushing it harder?

i did take 3 or 4 days off once for some family drama going on and another 4 days off when i was seriously ill with the 4th ear infection, when they pumped me full of antibiotics typically used to treat meningitis and serious stuff(!)...and i was still going to work, hyped up on painkillers and full of antibiotics LOL....but i didnt run then

Research indicates that moderate exercise actually improves your immune system while too much exercise can inihibit immune system functioning.

So forget going to the gym and working your butt off. Just take a nice brisk walk for 20-30 minutes.

Thanks for the responses guys. I actually already get mild exercise because I walk a couple miles to and from work. I honestly, don't think anything more strenuous is a good idea this week because I'm not even getting through the day without napping. I thought I would go today but I decided against it which was a good decision because even then I just came home and collapsed for a while before I could do anything useful.

Same here. Had the flu. Still does. Havent been working out. But I am going to the gym tonight. So hopefully I'll get back on track very soon.