Do you workout when you are sick?

I've had a bad cold for about 9 days now. My current symptoms are nasal congestion and coughing. I've only walked twice in this time. I usually workout at least 5 days a week. I gained a few pounds (already!!- WTH!) and it is killing me. I feel like a marshmellow. Anyone having this issue? I am going to try to do a workout tomorrow but I will probably end up in a coughing fit and have to stop. Yoga is out because my nose runs and I can't breathe when doing the downward facing dog This too shall pass... it is just annoying right now!!

You could try pilates! It was my saving grace earlier this year when I had a nasty head cold and felt like taking care of business- doozer actually suggested it to me!

Honestly.....I've heard the expression "sweat it out" but if you think about that, you are really doing your body a disservice to exercise when you are sick!

When you are sick, the most important things you need to do are to 1) rest and 2) get plenty of fluids. When your body is coming down with something, it needs to STOP doing the every day hussle and rest. Period. That will give it a change at least to fight off whatever is going on. Hydrating it is also important because the fluids help to keep things going and keeps your core body temperature down.

When you exericise you are exhausting your body (a sick body) and dehydrating it when you sweat. Having a dehydrated exhausted body is not a strong body to fight off illness. It most likely will make you more suceptable to make you sicker and longer. So when I am sick I usually opt to not exercise. There are many days afterwards when I can make up for it! And don't be surprised if your body is weak and doesn't respond the same way. It is still recovering.

Thanks doozer. I'm trying to keep this in mind

Stevesgal, do you have a pilates video you suggest? I will look for it on Netflix.

This is almost exactly what I would have said! It is not good for your body to work out when you're sick! My BIL is a health professer/instructor at a university and he tells everyone in our family to not work out when we're sick.

__________________
One happy wife and mommy!!!

Honestly I think that if you feel like working out when you're sick you should do it, if you feel like resting do it. I've also heard as a "rule of thumb" if it's neck and above, sore throat or runny nose, it's okay to work out. Below the neck, cough or fever, stay home and rest. Personally I usually feel better going for a walk and getting fresh air, it really helps my sinuses and coughing.

As far as "sweating it out" I did do that once and while the cold only lasted 2 days I wanted to die the day I worked out. Unfortunately I had paid to get my spinning certification at a workshop and had to be there, as well as ride the bike for 5 hours and teach a mock class. I just made sure to drink lots of water & I bumped my calories up for the day.

Hope you feel better soon.