Sick and exercising

[Mlasley]

What do you guys do about exercise when you are sick? I have done nothing but sit on my butt, drink tea with honey, and go to work (and haven't done that for a few days).

It started the end of January with high fever, pus running from my tonsils, and the sore throat from hell. Then I got a cold. Then the flu (confirmed). Then bronchitis and now pneumonia. I have a new puppy and take him for a walk a few times a day, but I am just so tired. The bad news is that I know how hard the first workouts back will be. So do you grit your teeth and work out or give up and grab a blankie and pillow and head for the couch?

[wallycat]

Listen to your body.
Let it rest and heal.
Exercise will wait for you.
I don't know how old you are, but let me assure you, there will be many, many more times where exercise takes a pass..
I wish you speedy recovery. Take it slow and easy!

[SusanMac]

I'll often do a light workout if I just feel a little bad. But, given your descriptions, you're totally doing the right thing by taking time off. If you're exhausted, and not even exerting much energy, then you definitely shouldn't workout. You'd just prolong it, and possibly injure yourself.

I've read several places that if it's in your chest, or you have a fever, then you shouldn't workout.

By the time you feel yourself again, you'll be so excited & anxious to workout that it won't be as hard as you think.

[Valerie226]

When I get sick, really sick, I take the time off and rest. I sleep as much as I can. I eat lightly ( but not junk) and drink lots of fluids. I don't start really exercising until I am looking forward to it. I start back easy with plain walking and gauge how I feel after before doing anything more intense. sometimes the smartest thing is to just take it easy until your body is recovered from what sounds like a pretty awful 6 weeks.

[TKay]

I've read several places that if it's in your chest, or you have a fever, then you shouldn't workout.

I'd agree with this advice. If I've got a mild cold or something less severe, I might do some easy workouts. But with what you've got, I'm afraid I'd recommend laying low. Sorry. I know it stinks to lay off for so long. But your body really needs the rest.

Hang in there. I hope you feel better soon. Sounds like you've had it bad.

[Libra20]

I agree with everyone that rest sounds best. But if you really need to do something, what about some basic stretches? Ones that you could do on your bed, for instance.

[sparrowgrass]

I have been fighting the flu for 6 weeks now, and have yet to get back on the exercise bike. Seems like just doing the housework is all I need.

I am sure that as the weather warms up I will feel better and will be out in the yard exercising with a rake and shovel--lots more productive than the bike, anyway. :)