If you haven’t gotten sick yet this season then consider yourself lucky. Especially if you’re workout junkies like us.
According to the American Council on Exercise, the average adult has two to three respiratory infections every year. Yuck! How are you supposed to get your daily fitness in if you can’t breathe and as feel crappy as colds usually make everyone feel?
The real question here is whether or not you should be exercising if you have come down with a cold? We decided to find out whether working out when you feel under the weather is a good idea or a big no-no. Find out below:
When is exercising while you’re sick a bad idea?
We all know that exercising regularly is good for your health, but there are times when a workout might have a negative effect on your body, especially when you are physically sick. When you exercise, your body’s heart rate increases along with your core body temperature while also burning fuel or energy at a fast rate. Normally these effects are completely harmless, but when you’re sick they can have a negative effect on your body.
For example, if you are suffering from a fever then this means that the core temperature of your body is already high. Raising this temperature further can be dangerous. Always be aware of the activity in your body before you choose to workout.
Know whether your sickness is contagious or not.
Sometimes it’s better to get some rest when you’re sick than to workout, but how do you know when? There are a few factors you should consider before deciding. First and foremost, know whether or not your sickness is contagious. If you’re gym nut, using the equipment around all of your fellow gym goers while you’re sick is a bad idea.
It’s important to show some consideration for the people around you. I know I wouldn’t appreciate someone sneezing all over the place in yoga class. Spreading around something as small as a cold is careless, so take a day of rest to help get back to normal. We’ll all be grateful in the end!
Try the “Neck Check”
Lastly, once you know whether you are a walking contagion, try the “Neck Check” exercise. It’s a great way to determine whether it’s safe to workout when you’re sick.
If your symptoms are located above your neck then it’s generally safe to exercise. This can include symptoms such as a sore throat, a headache or common colds. If you do decide to go to the gym, decrease the intensity of your workout and know when it’s a good time to stop. If your symptoms are located below your neck then taking a day or two off would be your best bet. If you find yourself with a severe stomachache, muscle pain or diarrhea then it might be better to just rest in bed.
Do you think it’s a good idea to workout when you’re sick? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter: @LucilleRoberts
