Staying active and consistent with exercise is important for maintaining good health, but what happens when you catch a cold, flu, or other sickness? Should you workout while sick? In this article, we will discuss whether it is safe to exercise while sick and what precautions you should take to protect your health.

Types of illness

Before delving into whether you should workout while sick, it’s important to understand the different types of illnesses that you might encounter.

Generally, illnesses can be classified into two categories – above the neck and below the neck illnesses. Above the neck illnesses include common cold, runny nose, sinus congestion, and headaches, while below the neck illnesses include chest congestion, fever, body aches and fatigue.

Exercise when suffering from above the neck illness

If you are suffering from a mild cold or above the neck illness, it is generally considered safe to continue exercising. However, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your workout intensity.

Avoid pushing yourself too hard and opt for low-intensity workouts such as walking, yoga, or light strength training. Exercise can actually help to relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion by increasing blood flow and opening up nasal passages.

Exercise when suffering from below the neck illness

It is generally recommended to avoid exercise when suffering from below the neck illnesses such as fever, chest congestion, and body aches. Exercise may cause the symptoms to worsen, and your body needs rest to fight off the illness.

Exercising while sick can also put additional stress on your immune system and prolong the illness. It’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated when suffering from an illness.

How long should you wait before resuming exercise?

If you are suffering from a mild illness, it’s generally safe to resume exercise once the symptoms have subsided.

However, if you have been suffering from a more serious illness such as the flu or pneumonia, it may take several weeks or even months before you are able to exercise again. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity as your body adjusts.

Precautions to take when exercising while sick

If you do decide to exercise while sick, there are a few precautions you should take to protect your health and prevent the illness from spreading to others.

Firstly, avoid working out at the gym or any public place where you might come into contact with others. Instead, opt for at-home workouts or exercise outside in the fresh air where you are less likely to infect others.

Secondly, ensure that you are well-hydrated before, during, and after exercise. This is essential for flushing out toxins and replenishing lost fluids.

Lastly, if you start to feel worse during exercise, stop immediately and seek medical attention. It’s important to take care of your health first and foremost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you should exercise while sick depends on the type and severity of your illness. If you have a mild cold or above the neck illness, it’s generally safe to continue exercising but at a reduced intensity.

However, if you have a below the neck illness or more serious illness such as the flu, it’s best to rest until you have fully recovered. Remember to take precautions when exercising while sick and always listen to your body.