Your body is aching, your nose is running, and energetic is the furthest thing from today’s mood selection. Aside from grossing out the girl next to you in spin class as your nose drips, is there any risk-or benefit-to pushing your body to work out?
Will you make it worse?
When dealing with something like a common cold, studies show that exercise done at a moderate pace will not compromise your immune system or intensify your cold symptoms. As a rule of thumb, try to keep your workouts at 50% of your normal time and intensity. If at any point your symptoms take a turn for the worse, such as feeling like your stomach is upset or experiencing any type of pain, go home and rest.
Are there any benefits to working out while sick?
The common cold symptoms and effects on the body vary from person to person. So what works for one may not work for another. I personally choose to work out when I’m feeling under the weather because I believe the positive hormones and adrenaline that are released during the workout helps me to mentally and physically beat my colds. If I’m sitting around all day feeling like junk and feeling sorry for myself, my mind and body are going to struggle. Also, by moving our muscle tissue and releasing tension in our muscles, we help the body remove and release toxic build-up.
What type of exercises should I do when sick?
Go right back to your rule of 50% off your normal intensity and apply that to any workout you’re feeling you want to take on. I personally love hot yoga, barre class, and outdoor activities when I’m feeling under the weather because I can control my intensity.
What types of nutrition or supplements would you recommend when you’re fighting a cold?
- Stay away from sugar! Sugar lowers your immune system and will take away your body’s natural defenses to fight your cold.
- Boost your body’s healthy bacteria with things like Kombucha, Natural Factors Probiotics , kefir, and raw sauerkraut. These help increase healthy bacteria in your gut and are high in cold-fighting vitamins.
- Fresh is best. Try to stick with as many raw foods as possible to get the most nutrition out of your food. Blend up some amazing green juices, throw some fresh garlic in your salad, or add some fresh coconut oil to your morning toast.
- Drink,drink and drink! Keep your body well hydrated to help flush out your cold germs and keep your body operating to the best of its ability.
Remember, you’re in charge of your limits, and if something doesn’t feel right, sometimes you just need a break! So if you need a couple days off, don’t beat yourself up. Grab a good book, catch up on e-mails, or take this time to catch up on all the shows you’ve been missing. The gym will be patiently waiting for your return.
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