Should You Make Sweating While Sniffling Your New Workout Routine?
When you’ve got the body of a Greek god or goddess from a zeal for exercise and suddenly catch a cold, it’s like Zeus himself has pulled a prank on you! We’ve all been there, right? Fitness truly can feel like a divine gift, but even the fittest among us have to battle illness occasionally. But should we hang up our running shoes and avoid the treadmill we adore so much when we’re under the weather? Let’s delve into the intriguing question of should we, or shouldn’t we, give ourselves permission to exercise when sick. It’s workout meets sniffles, let’s get this bout started!
Why Your Exclusive Gym Membership Shouldn’t Include Germs
Most of the time, sweating it out at the gym can feel like experiencing a mini superhero transformation each time. But when you’re hosting the annual cold and flu party in your own body, the game changes a bit. Exercise, in reality, is an acute stress that temporarily suppresses the immune system. However, this usually isn’t as harmful as it sounds as your body bounces back within hours if you’re healthy and not hosting the annual germ convention, as our dear Dr. Kendall from Edith Cowan University assures us. Ironically, this pattern, over time, can give your immune system a good boost.
But what happens when you hit the gym while your immune system is low? You guessed it. You could turn the gym into a germ-friendly environment. So if you’re sick, especially with a viral illness, maybe it’s time to Netflix and heal instead of “Netflix and treadmill.”
The Not-So-Sweat Wait of Recovery
Now, how much to wait before pulling your sneakers back on depends on what type of uninvited guest — read illness — has taken residence in your system. For instances such as sinus infection or a head cold, you may resume your workout once your headache or sinus pressure decides to move out (hopefully they didn’t leave too much mess). So whether it’s a brisk walk like a casual stroll in a meadow or a light bike ride, once the heavy symptoms say adios, move your body, get some fresh air, sweat a bit, and just feel pretty amazing.
However, if your chest betrays you with a cold or flu, let’s say we breathe a bit easy on the exercise front. Respiratory issues don’t dance well with heavy workouts. Wait till your symptoms pack their suitcase and take the next flight out of your system. If you’re contagious, give that public gym a pass. Let your germs say goodbye first.
Comeback Kid: Bouncing Back Post Sickness
Caught in the fever or cold web, things can go haywire. Sleeping hours become as random as a lottery number, your food patterns can do a tango, and your hydration levels can go south. In such scenarios, working out can become additional baggage for your wellness. The upshot? No performance boost or physique improvement. Instead, dwell in the realm of rest, hydration, and recovery, as that’s where the real fitness waiting game is won. Dr. Kendall, our wellness compass here, infers that obtaining complete rest helps in faster regains of any fitness loss and shields you from catching another illness too soon. Therefore, if you are feeling anxious about losing your fitness edge while sick, remember, it will return quicker once you’re feeling better, and that’s a promise!
If a workout is as essential to you as your morning coffee, then some mild outdoor exercise after symptom subspecies is your best bet — no public gyms yet! Doctor’s word is the gospel here. Consult before you hit the gym again. After all, you need to know when you can safely flex your muscles without spraying germs like confetti.
Key Takeaways:
- Sweat it, but not when you’re unwell. Exercise under illness could impair the immune system.
- Common cold or sinus infection? Wait until the heavy symptoms subside, then opt for light exercise.
- Respiratory issues are a big no for workouts. Wait until the symptoms completely fade.
- Unaligned sleep, nutrition, and hydration due to illness could compound the negative effects of working out while sick.
- Rest, hydrate, recover. Fitness losses can be regained swiftly after complete recovery.
- Finally, always seek doctor’s advice to understand when you’re no longer contagious and can safely hit the gym.
