Here are a few guidelines to determine whether you should continue to train when feeling a little under the weather.
These guidelines are for common illnesses such as a cold virus or a mild tummy bug and should not be used if you are suffering from a more serious condition. At the end of the day only you can make the decision to exercise or not but these guidelines will certainly point out when not to workout.
- Do not work out if you have a tummy bug, fever or chills. In these circumstances your body needs rest to recover. Working out could only prolong the illness.
- Do not work out in a social environment if you are contagious to others.
- Do not work out if you are suffering a chest infection or the illness ‘feels’ in your body, sometimes people described this as “It feels in my bones”
- You can work out if you feel you really need to, if you have a common cold that is past its worst. The rule of thumb is as long as the symptoms are above the neck and not too severer, symptoms such as a sore throat, blocked up or runny nose and sneezing. However no vigorous exercise, keep it light to moderate. Try cardio workout to raise your heart rate a little, you may find this will help you breath more easily.
- Do not over do it. You are working out to feel a little better not for fitness or competition.
- If you feel pain, dizziness or unwell STOP immediately.
- If you work out using fitness equipment, wipe the equipment down with a disinfected wipe, so not to spread your germs.
- For advice on working out with more serious or chronic conditions you must talk to your GP.