Can You Exercise Even When Sick?

Regardless of how well we take care of our bodies, there will still be times where we fall sick or feel lethargic possibly due to over-training. At this point in time, we will be faced with the question of whether we should exercise to continue losing weight or simply take a break from all physical activities

So, should you exercise when you are sick?

Doctors will definitely tell you not to perform any physical activities or exercises, with the only exception being a very light brisk walk in the park. However, you may feel guilty that you are not sticking to your healthy lifestyle, and exercising regimen, thus possibly risking gaining back the lost weight and fats! So what is the best decision to make now?

If you were to research on the Internet, some websites will inform you that the decision whether to train or not depends on the type of illness you are diagnosed with. They claim that you can still continue to exercise, albeit at a slightly lower intensity, when diagnosed with certain illnesses, but take a full rest when you are diagnosed with some others.

If you are suffering from cough, the seriousness of the coughing will be the main determinant as to whether you should continue exercising. If you have severe cough spasms, please do not attempt to work out, and instead pay a visit to the doctor. If you only cough a little once in a while, you can still exercise, but keep cardiovascular exercises like swimming and jogging to a minimum. Weight lifting is still perfectly acceptable and will be unlikely to have any serious repercussions.
On the other hand, if you are diagnosed with fever, I highly recommend you do not exercise until you fully recover. Stressing your body further when you are suffering from fever will increase your body temperature, and may cause brain damage in severe cases.

The most common illness though, is the common cold. Many people ask questions regarding whether they should exercise when they have a cold. Most websites and fitness associates advise people to decide depending on whether the symptoms of the common cold are above or below the neck. On the contrary, I suggest to you an entirely different approach altogether. If you feel like you are going to get a cold, do not exercise. If you are diagnosed with a severe cold already, and are sneezing crazily every day, do not train. Only if you are nearly recovered, and you do not feel tired, then I recommend you exercise.

There is one last takeaway for you. That is, to remember to train below maximum intensity when you are sick. It is great for you to maintain your fitness levels, but do not do so at the expense of your health!