Illness is almost inevitable. Even the fittest among us occasionally succumb to the common cold. No one enjoys being sick, especially athletes. It can derail training and throw off schedules while you’re stuck on the couch with the sniffles. When you aren’t just being a baby that is.
Even though light physical activity can help you boost your disease fighting capability, you ought to be gentle on yourself any time you have already got the flu. This is when you should take notice of your body, and provide it a chance to get well.
You should always trust your gut when it comes to getting back into an exercise routine after an illness. You know your body best and should listen if it tells you to take some extra down time.
However, there are a few guidelines you can follow when trying to get back into the swing of things.
When you have temperature because of the flu, then be wary of exercise. Generally, people who have the flu have got fevers for 2 to 5 days. A fever really is a sign that the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. Performing exercises may strain your system all the more and lead to dehydration. It may possibly postpone your healing from the flu. You might want to hold out a few days till your fever has broken and your body’s feeling far more energized before going back to your regular exercise program.
In the event that you do not have temperature yet suffer with additional flu signs or symptoms, it is better to talk to your medical doctor before lacing up your sneakers. After all, they are going to be in the closet in a few days when you find yourself completely recovered from the flu.
Working out gets a thumbs up if your symptoms are from the neck up, e.g., runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion. Light cardio, instead of lifting weights, is the most beneficial. It can open up the nasal passages and allow you to breath easier.
If your symptoms are below the neck, e.g., fever, chest congestion, nausea, it’s best to stay in bed. It’s an old wives tale that you can “sweat it out”. In fact, intense exercise with these types of symptoms can be very harmful in rare instances.
It might not be a bad thing that you got sick. Regular breaks from training can be good for your overall gains. Take your head cold as Mother Nature’s way of telling you to take some extra time off.
The bottom line? Rest your whole body when you have the flu. Allow your body the opportunity to adjust to the strain of illness. Your own disease fighting capability functions greatest if it is not distressed or in overdrive. Or maybe you are just being a big baby?