Can I barge in and ask a question about working out while sick?

[Left Is Write]

What are your throughts on working out while sick? When is it okay/not okay?

I've been sick since Saturday with a sore throat and some congestion. I had heard that it was all right to continue exercise if the illness kept itself to above the neck. I usually work out 45-90 pretty intense minutes every day, but I kept it very light over the weekend (15-20 minutes light cardio, light strength).

Today I feel a little weaker. Still the sore throat and congestion, but now a headache too. My eyelids are a somewhat swollen. I have a little muscle soreness - very mild, but still there.

I've stepped up my workouts even more over the last six weeks or so, and I've been working very hard. I'm especially pleased with the results, and I'm always worried about taking too much time off (in two years, I've never taken off more than two days at a time).

However, I don't want to do more harm than good by working out when I shouldn't. What say you? And if I should not be working out, how should I modify my diet (if at all)?

[MemphisTiger]

1. NOT OKAY

Not only is it spreading germs at the gym, which is rude. Your body needs the energy you would expend on workout to fight off the virus/bacteria. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and take a break. Your workout probably won't be good anyway. When I've taken a week or two off in the past, I've come back and broken plateus. Keep eating as normal as possible but drink plenty of fluids, mostly water.

[Left Is Write]

2. Thank you...

Just to ease your mind, though, I wasn't going to the gym. :)

I keep waffling back and forth, but just when I think I might be well enough to work out, I feel tired again. I wish it weren't so hard to give myself permission to take time off.

[MemphisTiger]

3. It can be a tough call on when you feel well enough to get

a workout in. Just listen to your body. Good luck.

[crispini]

4. I would leave it for awhile.

As far as diet, you want to eat things that support your system and make you feel better, things with lots of antioxidants. Chicken soup, green tea, fresh vegetables, maybe even juices, very light stuff. Miso is good.

And if you have a lot of congestion, try a neti pot! They are a great relief.

[wildeyed]

5. If you have muscle aches, I would take a break.

Your body needs the energy to fight the virus.

[flamingyouth]

6. I think cardio is generally not okay.

However, I like doing some gentle restorative yoga/Pilates stretching while I'm sick. I find that sitting and lying around makes my muscles feel really stiff.

I agree with everyone here - listen to your body.

Drink lots and lots of fluids. I like to eat a lot of soups/broths. I make them with ginger and garlic, which makes me feel better. And shiitake mushrooms. :9

I hope you feel better soon. :hug:

[w8liftinglady]

7. my rule of thumb-neck up,no fever-ok

chest,belly-no,fever no.