Monday, March 7, 2011

Tip 27: feeling sick? work out anyway!


So, I'm feeling under the weather. It stinks. I HATE being sick!

More often than not, getting sick derails all the progress I've made with my weight because I load up on chicken soup and apple juice, and other healthy (but high-calorie) items that make me feel better faster.

Getting sick can often mean feeling too tired or lazy to go to the gym, which often makes me lose focus and motivation, and can leave me avoiding exercise, even once I return to my normal health.

Tip 27: if you're feeling under the weather, try to keep moving anyway.

Now I'm not telling you that if you're dizzy and feeling like you're dying you should try to run a marathon. Click "read more" for some smart tips to make sure your sniffles don't derail you!It's OKAY to work out if you have:
- running nose
- headache
- normal cough (mild to moderate, no blood or excess phlegm)
- nasal congestion

It's NOT okay to work out if you have:
- chest cold
- diarrhea
- vomitting
- bloody cough
- dizziness (this is a HUGE safety issue)
- lightheadedness
- the flu 
- pneumonia
- any extremely contagious illness (such as strep throat, eye infections, mono, etc.)

The basic rule of thumb: if ALL of your symptoms are ABOVE your shoulders (normal coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache, etc.) then it's OKAY to exercise!

Additional words of advice: 
- be cautious with fevers
- try to keep your workouts mild and easygoing, overstressing your body when  it's sick is not reccomended!
- if you're apprehensive, don't go!
- light 20 minute walks are perfect for when you're sick! but make sure you dress accordingly and come home to a nice hot cup of tea
- if you're taking any medication that may cause drowsiness or dizziness, make sure you have a buddy watching out for you, or don't go at all!
- when in doubt, ASK YOUR DOCTOR!!!

Remember to be extra careful when you're sick, don't cough or sneeze on people! And make sure you ALWAYS wipe down gym equipment BEFORE* and AFTER you use it. Those around you will appreciate it! (*= always wipe equipment before you use it, in case the person before you didn't. this can also help keep you from becoming sick!)

Just Another Whale,
MyzzLyzz

2 comments:

  1. It never ceases to amaze me how many people do not understand that when you are sick or feeling BLAH you can just go for a little walk and it is considered working out :)
    Thank you for posting this information!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sweat out all of the "ick" works wonders! But don't push yourself too much... don't wanna get worse. :)

    ReplyDelete