Should I exercise when I am sick?
Should I exercise when I am sick?
This is a common question with an easy to understand answer. Do the “neck check.” It is probably safe to exercise if you have only above-the-neck symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a sore or scratchy throat. Do not exercise if you have below-the-neck symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches or a cough particularly if you are producing phlegm.
You may also want to be think about being considerate of others and not going to a gym where you will spread your germs to others.
If you decide not to exercise and give yourself a rest and time to recuperate try to ease back into your exercise routine. Trying to “make up for lost time” and exercising too hard after you have been sick can just drain your immune system again making you susceptible to more illnesses. Exercise for two days at a lower intensity for each day you were sick.
Page content reviewed: 06/04/18 fwg
