Going to the gym when signed off work?

[hunge]

DH thinks this is hugely unreasonable and is shocked I even suggested it … surely it isn’t?

If you have a bad back and sedentary job just stand up at regular intervals and do back stretches

I hate the general inbuilt assumption is that people are pulling sickies. I love my job and would rather be at work than off sick so if I was not well enough to be at work but well enough to go somewhere else then I'd do it without giving it a second thought. So yes, context is key here.

But if I was well enough to go to the gym I'd probably go to work but then I don't get paid if I dont

You’re going to the gym not to a theme park or a jolly. I wouldn’t be overly worried, my physio recommends light physical activity otherwise I seize up

Nonsense. A bad back makes it all the more vital to exercise, it's the only way for sustainable improvement.
OTOH there are conditions where the gym could be actively harmful, for example a heavy cold or an actual influenza.

How have you been signed off if you’re well enough to go to the gym?

if I could move well enough to go to the gym I would work tbh, but perhaps take time out if the day for gym rehab which could be incorporated into your fit note

Totally depends on what for. Actual illness (Vs&ds or cold) is a definite no way.

Injury, only as rehab so if you had a broken arm, gym for leg work/ static bike once cleared by doctor might well be appropriate - as working with a broken dominant arm is unlikely to be effective or useful in most roles.

Same would go for rehabbing a lower limb.

For a bad back I'd be tempted to get a physio's note advising what exercises are good for you (say swimming, appropriate stretches, core exercises and suggested frequency of doing them).

For a bad back that's tricky unless you have a specialist exercise programme from your dr/physio. If you can do a general work out you could be back at work

Perhaps on shortened hours or with regular breaks

How would your colleagues know you’re at the gym?

That’s not even vaguely true. For many back issues, keeping moving is key. Going to the gym could be part of the treatment to get you back to work.

People are so misinformed about illness and disability, but so bloody certain they are right.

For a bad back I'd be tempted to get a physio's note advising what exercises are good for you (say swimming, appropriate stretches, core exercises and suggested frequency of doing them).

I would too, I think. Failing that I'd be tempted to 'pre-empt' criticism by communicating with my employer that this was what I was doing specifically to help my back.

Who from work is going to know that you've been to the gym?

If it helps, go but I don't see what the fuss is unless you work in the gym or are going to the gym at your workplace

You are right op. My back is playing up again and I'm doing extra gym sessions as advised by my physio.
The idea that you rest a bad back is very out of date .

people not realising that exercise is the single best thing you can do for most ‘bad back’ type problems doesn’t make anyone right that you shouldn’t go to the gym.

It’s part of getting well enough to get back to work. Ignorance and weird petty jealousies (because a bad back is so aspirational) shouldn’t mean you stay at home and let it get worse.

No need to jump through hoops to justify it. If anyone did question it, your GP would simply confirm that exercise is a key part of your treatment. No need for any angst.

Go. If anything it will strengthen you to return quicker.

I'm signed off with iugr at the moment and still having a little walk everyday to keep some semblance on normality.

If work colleagues see you they may well judge you, especially if they don't know why you are off. If you are happy that you are fit enough to do a class but not fit enough to go into work or work from home then that's up to you.

In this case, I think you'd be crazy NOT to go to the gym. A gentle swim (be careful about what strokes you do - I once accidentally made my back worse with breaststroke and was subsequently banned from doing it by my physio) plus using a sauna or steam room will most likely be beneficial.

If someone calls in to say they have a stomach bug and are then out and about partying, yes, I'd be annoyed. But treatment and care for illnesses vary and this seems perfectly reasonable.

It's physical therapy. Of course it's fine.

@Momicrone

Why? She’s signed off work so doesn’t need to be at work struggling.

What you need is adaptations at work - standing desk/wfh so you can work on floor/bed or a different work chair that takes pressure from the lower back. Regular breaks from sitting I try only to sit for 20-25 mins at a time. You may need to work part time.

my experience is that bad backs rarely are completely fixed you need to learn to live and work with the pain and discomfort taking time off doesn’t really help unless it’s severe and you can’t move. If you can go to the gym you can move.

I have a back problem and a couple of times in the last few years it has been so bad that I have been off work. It has been impossible to sit down so I couldn’t sit at my desk and just do stretches occasionally.

Walking, swimming and stretching helped massively so as advised by my doctor I went to the gym for swimming.

YANBU.

I think saying the gym makes people think that you are working out. A swim and sauna are different.

Absolutely! As you say, the worst thing you can do for a back problem is be sedentary. Provided you are exercising carefully and not pushing it to the extent you will damage it further and need more time off, this could be key to your recovery!

I'd go, I've been to the gym whilst signed off after surgery. Didn't do the type of workout I'd normally but did some gentle things to keep me moving and after 2 weeks stuck at home I was glad to see some friendly faces!