I'm sick! Better to exercise or not?

[Lauren Herzog]

Hello all! Looking for your opinions, and any literature you've found on this topic. 'Tis the season for holiday cheer, holiday stress, and the FLU! It seems like common sense that if you're running a fever and can't stand up, you should skip the gym. But what about when you're getting back on your feet? Is getting back into your regular workout routine at this point help your body recover, or just pass your sickness on to everyone at your gym?

[Yvonne Fitness Diva]

This is actually something I'm often concerned with, since I teach group exercise classes. I have actually asked members "why did you come today? You are too sick to be here", as they are coughing and grabbing at the box of tissues on top of the stereo every few minutes. Not trying to be insensitive, but it is an issue when we are in this enclosed, heated, sweaty environment, already sharing enough germs as it is. It's a hotbed for sickness.
I would say, skip the gym, and do a home workout if you really feel the need to get some exercise in. Go for a run. Dust off an exercise DVD and pop it in the player. Do something more on the solo tip until you are totally well, or at least until you're sure that the bug has passed.
It's the more considerate and health conscious thing to do for all involved! ;)

[Lisa Newton]

I totally agree with Yvonne, too. If you're still sick, don't spread it around, but if you feel up to it, exercise on your own.

I have a friend who was sick in bed for two days. On the second day, by the afternoon, he felt better, so he went for a run. When he told me this, I thought he was a little nuts, exercising just as he was getting better. But, he told me he felt even better after he ran.

That openned up my eyes to the idea that exercising just as you're getting better may indeed help your system recover faster.

I believe it's an individual decision, based on how you feel and how much you think you can do....................:)

[Lauren Herzog]

Thank you all. I always felt it was better to wait it out until you were pretty much fully recovered, for many of the reasons you listed. There are no clear guidelines listed on this however as far as recommendations to provide to clients. I've had several who will work out straight through an illness...it concerns me when you can't take a day off even for a reason like as this. When your body is fighting an illness, it seems that you should ensure most of your energy can go to that. Adequate rest & sleep, fluids, and of course nutrition (I am an RD, can't leave that out!)
Good information, thank you again!

[Craig Maltby]

Wait until you are well; no coughing, no fever, no major symptoms. Not only will you save others from getting your crud, you'll be the better for it, since strenuous exercise can tax your immune system. If your immune health is not back up to snuff, rigorous excercise can prolong what's ailing you. IMHO.

[David]

I agree with all of the comments here. Another thing that's in short supply
"out there" is common sense.

People know what they can do and when they can do it--and
by taking undue risks, they can hurt themselves and as aptly
pointed out by Yvonne, cause others to get sick as well.

[Christopher]

The body needs rest, and is fighting off the illness. The best thing you can do is stretch, the gym will be there when you get back. Most likely you got sick from going to the gym.