I’m writing this tucked up in bed, tissues array trying to remember the good old days when I could breathe through my nose. As long as I’m here I figured I could be somewhat productive and create some hopefully helpful content.
Getting sick is horrible for anyone but it’s somehow worse when you’ve finally gotten into the swing of working out. You’ve built up strength and endurance and suddenly a runny nose and a cough comes out of nowhere and sweeps it all away. The temptation to power through and just get it done is real, but should you?
It’s a question I get asked A LOT.
So what happens if you do and what happens if you don’t?
First check your symptoms, they matter.
So how are you feeling?
Consider whether your symptoms are above or below the neck. You may have heard this one before but neck check is a good indicator. Symptoms above the neck like a runny nose or sore through are likely those of a common cold and are less serious. Symptoms below the neck like nausea, chest tightness, fever and joint aches are the more serious ones to be aware of.
The general rule is if your symptoms are above the neck exercise is ok BUT should be a light intensity and ideally not in a public place as you are carrying a contagious bug. If you do decide to go ahead with a workout (and you certainly din’t have to) then dial it back from the high intense sprints you may have planned, to an incline walk; from the heavy weights session to lighter weights and a longer rest.
If symptoms are below the neck it’s time to skip the gym altogether! Even if you just feel cold or your body is fatigued that’s a sign of something more serious going on. Listen to your body, do not ignore it!
Ditch the gym leggings for joggers
In the past if I didn’t feel ‘that bad’ I would always get myself to the gym. I’d end up having a mediocre workout but seemed to always felt much better afterwards. I honestly used to believe I’d healed myself by sweating it out. NOPE. Instead, just a few hours later I would be feeling all sorts of sorry for myself back in my bed, worse than I was before, fully regretting my decision to workout.
See when you’re unwell your body is using all its resources to get better. You might notice other things tend to take a backseat… my skin for example gets quite bad and I feel very low in energy. By exercising you are intentionally overloading yourself! On a normal day your body would be able to recover post workout, to repair itself from the exercises. On a day you’re already run down, exercising is simply adding even more to the list of things for your body to repair. It’s asking too much and your body simply won’t cope.
Rest and time, that’s what your body needs, that’s the magic combination. You need to allow your body time to recover. The gym will still be there, waiting for you in a few days.
Andrea Galley
16 Sep 2019Get well soon Sophie xx