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Original poster

Exercise when you're ill

18 replies

Globules · 13/12/2023 18:54

I've had a cold/cough/sore throat for over a month. I've really not wanted to run or do weights when poorly. My normal routine is 3 x5k, 2 x weights session every week.

Having said that, I'm not a fan of exercising when I'm well! I do it because I want to keep my body in shape, not because I enjoy it.

Do you exercise when you're poorly?

OP posts:
CornishPorsche · 13/12/2023 18:57

No. Your body needs the energy and rest to heal itself. Overdoing what your body can handle will impede recovery. Especially if you're talking about respiratory illness.

Take medical advice if you want to restart whilst still unwell.

Cranarc · 13/12/2023 19:01

Yes, after I have had a couple of days rest, but I tailor it to how I feel because I enjoy exercise and the last thing I want is to make myself worse and have to be off even longer.

I will typically keep sessions shorter and lighter, being very mindful of how I feel. Sometimes if I am feeling sluggish a bit of movement makes me feel better, but if I have not perked up after 10 minutes or so I will stop.

Floofydawg · 13/12/2023 19:03

What @Cranarc said. I went for a swim today even though I still have a cough and a cold. Feel loads better for it.

GrumpyPanda · 13/12/2023 19:06

No, light walks only. Have had both an extended family member and a GP drop literally dead from an inflamed heart muscle after they didn't rest with a drawn-out cold.

PlumPeony · 13/12/2023 19:07

Do you have a smartwatch? I check my resting heart rate as if it's elevated then normally take it easier (maybe walk or yoga instead of harder session), and you can also see your recovery. Gentle exercise should be okay with cold, but at the same time, listen to your body, maybe do a walk instead of run etc.

ValBiro · 13/12/2023 19:10

Not at the peak, but either side I'll try to keep going. So gentler, shorter runs.

Even on the worst day of a cold though I will try to go for a long walk, I'd get cabin fever without leaving the house!

Lottapianos · 13/12/2023 19:18

I listen to my body and do as much as I can. That might be a walk, a short yoga session at home, or it might be nothing! I was ill a few weeks ago with one of those horrible bugs that are going around - I spent 2 days in bed with no exercise at all, then felt up to a 15 minute walk, then the day after I did 20 minutes yoga. I was out of the gym for 2 weeks but still moved nearly every day, and felt so much better for it

Gymmum82 · 13/12/2023 19:20

Yes unless I have a temperature. You’re only at higher risk from sudden cardiac death if you exercise with a fever. A bog standard cold id carry on as normal

DaveWatts · 13/12/2023 19:20

Yes but I listen to my body and don't overdo it. Currently recovering from a nasty virus so did nothing for a week or so and have been gradually getting back into my daily yoga practice this week, doing a bit more each day. I think pushing on regardless is silly when you're ill and will make your recovery take much longer.

Adarajames · 13/12/2023 20:16

I can no longer exercise at all having ended up with ME and fibromyalgia, most likely linked to my having over exercises when well and unwell in the past.
Rest and recover, then exercise, being limited in mobility isn’t fun.

BogRollBOGOF · 13/12/2023 20:29

I listen to my body. More rest days, dialling back the intesity so maybe walk instead of run. When I am feeling more human again, I take my time building back up to regular intensity.

LittleLize · 13/12/2023 20:37

I generally follow the rule if that a cold is in your neck and above you’re ok to exercise, if it’s in your chest, you’re not.

But that’s because exercising makes me feel better about life, so I try to keep it up unless there’s good reason not to

spriots · 13/12/2023 20:38

I have a similar routine to you - I usually find I can do my weights session ok but not my cardio

Original poster
Globules · 14/12/2023 07:05

Thanks all.

You made me realise I could do something, even though I didn't want to. I've been for a 5k walk this morning and I'm glad I've got my head back into it.

OP posts:
Mongrelsrbeautiful · 15/12/2023 04:23

GrumpyPanda · 13/12/2023 19:06

No, light walks only. Have had both an extended family member and a GP drop literally dead from an inflamed heart muscle after they didn't rest with a drawn-out cold.

This risk is real OP

Dentistlakes · 15/12/2023 06:04

Yes, I do if it’s something like a cold or sore throat as long as I don’t have a temperature. Otherwise I rest completely apart from perhaps a short walk and some stretching.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 15/12/2023 17:37

LittleLize · 13/12/2023 20:37

I generally follow the rule if that a cold is in your neck and above you’re ok to exercise, if it’s in your chest, you’re not.

But that’s because exercising makes me feel better about life, so I try to keep it up unless there’s good reason not to

I follow this rule too.

lljkk · 16/12/2023 04:12

Depends on that word 'poorly', what does it mean, anyway. If my energy levels are good enough then yes I exercise, I always feel much better for it. Mild colds no hesitation. But yeah if the energy is not there, I'd drop the intensity. A shorter slower run or walking instead of a run, etc.

You know I'm quite unusually ill if I don't go get my daily level of exercise. No regrets yet.

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