If I Feel Sick, Is It Good To Do Exercise?
For a lot of people, exercise is a relevant part of their daily routine. It should come as no astonishment, then, that these individuals often struggle with the decision of whether or not to exercise during an illness.
Letting your body be your guide is crucial when exercising during an illness. In general, reducing the intensity and length of a workout is best for those who are not feeling up to par, as attempting your normal exercise routine may exacerbate symptoms and lead to more serious illness.
If I feel sick, is it good to do exercise?
Fever
During exercise, your body temperature increase, and if you are already suffering from a fever, specialists note that this bump in body heat can take your internal temperature to dangerous levels.
Doctors suggest that individuals who experience a fever of greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit postpone their exercise routine to prevent further exacerbations of the illness.
Maintaining exercise safety
In many cases, those who are ill do not have the strength or energy to engage in a structured workout. Exercise junkies who have deemed it safe to exercise (and cannot go a day without their workout) should keep some basic recommendations in mind.
People who do not have a fever and do not suffer from symptoms below the neck can safely engage in exercise during an illness. For best results, exercisers should be sure to limit the intensity and length of their aerobic exercise routine, and put resistance training and group sports on hold to prevent injury and the spread of germs to fellow athletes.
Gastrointestinal distress
A “stomach bug,” or gastroenteritis, as it is sometimes called, often occurs as a result of the transfer of a highly-contagious virus from person to person, or through contaminated food. People who suffer from gastroenteritis may experience vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches, and abdominal cramps. Since exercise is prohibited for those experiencing a fever, individuals who develop gastroenteritis and have this symptom should put their exercise routine on hold.
Exercises to avoid
While aerobic exercise can be helpful when done in moderation during illness, more isn’t always better. In fact, specialists note that high-intensity aerobic exercise can actually make symptoms worse and may prolong illness.
In general, resistance training should also be avoided during illness. Many people experience a decrease in muscular strength and endurance while sick and therefore attempting to lift weights while in this condition can lead to serious injury.