Working out while sick?

• kencarson
  
  Posts: 224
  
  
  Nov 02, 2010 2:35 PM GMT

  So I've been debating this:
  
  I currently have a throat infection or possibly a URI. I'm on antibiotics for it. But I was wondering if I should take a break from the gym while I'm getting better.
  
  My friend says that exercise takes energy away from the immune system, but another one says exercise can helps get rid of it faster.
  
  So I pose it to you guys. What do you think?

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  Nov 02, 2010 2:42 PM GMT

  I posted the same question a few years ago and the general consensus was to do a light workout. Personally, I workout a little despite being sick because the excercise helps keep me from being lethargic and mopey. Antibiotics would knock your body around so more vitamins would benefit you as well.

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  Nov 02, 2010 2:50 PM GMT

  Rest. Your body isn't going to degrade if you miss a week of workouts. But your body could sure use that energy to fight the infection...plus don't go spreading the infectIon in the gym.

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  Nov 02, 2010 2:51 PM GMT

  Depending upon the nature of what ails you, working out while sick can be very harmful. Some mild exercise may benefit, but you are almost always far better off to wait for full recovery before putting any stress on the system. Be careful!

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  Nov 02, 2010 3:17 PM GMT

  tazzari saidDepending upon the nature of what ails you, working out while sick can be very harmful. Some mild exercise may benefit, but you are almost always far better off to wait for full recovery before putting any stress on the system. Be careful!

  
  
  This, though once you get a little better a short walk is fine, or a little yoga etc. Don´t do big sessions when ill or weak though

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  Nov 02, 2010 3:49 PM GMT

  kencarson saidSo I've been debating this:
  
  I currently have a throat infection or possibly a URI. I'm on antibiotics for it. But I was wondering if I should take a break from the gym while I'm getting better.
  
  My friend says that exercise takes energy away from the immune system, but another one says exercise can helps get rid of it faster.
  
  So I pose it to you guys. What do you think?

  
  
  You need to stay away from the gym until you are not contagious. Other folks don't want to be sick.
  
  Elevated body temperature kills many bugs.
  
  Take some time off.

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  Nov 02, 2010 3:58 PM GMT

  I usually take a few days off if I have something that requires an antibiotic - but that's also because I find I am very lethargic till they kick in. I often have a lot more energy the 2nd or 3rd day of antibiotics.
  
  I've found over the years that I know my body better and when I can work out and when I shouldn't. There are times when I don't feel good but know I'll feel better after a workout and there are times when I know I'll feel terrible if I push myself to go when I really shouldn't.
  
  Another positive side effect I've found is that taking some time off actually improves my ability to lift more and stay in better shape. I used to overtrain, which can have very negative side effects.

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• nicelyproport...
  
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  Nov 02, 2010 4:07 PM GMT

  Unless I'm feeling totally miserable -- and sometimes even then -- I work out and/or run when I have a cold. The exercise and the adrenaline make me feel better. A few years ago the New York Times published an article that seems to support this practice:
  
  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/health/nutrition/25best.html
  

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  Nov 03, 2010 1:44 AM GMT

  I like to throw on a sweatshirt/hat/pants and lightly jog on a treadmill while watching TV. It's relaxing, and it ups my body temperature. Sleep extra, eat if you can, and just do whatever feels good.

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  Nov 03, 2010 1:46 AM GMT

  I would not suggest it if you might have an URI. You could just make it worse. However, normally if I just have a cold or something I go on a long run and I feel better the next day.

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  Nov 03, 2010 1:49 AM GMT

  I don't let something like being sick stand in my way of my gym time. If the sickness wants my body and my attention it has to know where it stands with me. I'm not into needy colds or infections.. They need to know that the first love of my life is the gym. They will never come between me and my LTR. PERIOD.
  
  You show that sickness who's boss!
  
  
  (my small attempt at humor)
  
  Honestly, you do what you want. Personally, while i'm sick i feel it motivates me to work harder. My only hope is that others don't get or catch the cold that I have. I make extra sure that i don't sneeze or cough on anyone, i double clean whatever i'm using. But in the long run if someone else gets sick from me if it's just a cold.. i won't feel guilty. Where do you think i probably got the cold from?
  

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