When can I go back to the gym?

[IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads]

For the last 6 months I have been going to an early morning HIIT class 3 times a week, which I've really enjoyed.

I havn't been for a week, as I've been wiped out with a fever, flu symptoms, chest and sinus infection, cough etc (although not Covid, I did several negative tests) and I've been very tired. In all I spent 8 days largely in bed, Sinus infection has shifted thanks to ABs, and I'm less tired (still not massively energetic though) but I still have a chesty cough.

I guessing I ought to stay off the gym until that's shifted?

I really don't know about this. I'm one of these people who is "never ill"!

I don’t think anyone in the gym would thank you for going with a chesty cough, no one else wants to catch your thing in the run up to Christmas!

I'm in a similar boat although 2 weeks wiped out (and still going!) I miss the gym so much!
I will likely start with a light gym workout first. I also do HIIT workouts and would prewarn the instructor that you are taking it easy at first. I'd probably give it a day or two if feeling well

no one can answer that but you

you will know when ready

Coughs can linger for weeks though, it doesn't mean you're still contagious.

If I stayed at home for the length of time my coughs stick around, I'd never go anywhere.

Can you start off with something lighter rather than going straight into a HIIT session. Maybe try a gentle run and see how your lungs hold up?

I think, as you've pointed out , it's still a bit soon. I've been up for 2 hours and I'm exhausted!!

It's small group training in a tiny local gym. I think I'll give it a couple more days and reassess.

This is a great Instagram post I saw this morning from an immunologist I follow about recovering from illness and exercise:

www.instagram.com/p/C06iqqlolhG/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Hope you're on the mend soon!

It's small group training in a tiny local gym.

you probably should have led with this in your op

After 7 days I doubt you still are contagious with original bug (which you probably caught off someone asymptomatic at the time).

I find exercise makes me feel much better when I'm mildly ill. Don't do something that sounds or feels too tiring, though.

@Wherehaveallthepopchipsgone that's really interesting, thank you

I went back on 12 days after I first felt ill, which was 3 days after I started to feel better. My trainer had me working to 60% of my previous one rep maxes for a couple of sessions, and today onto 80%. Feeling loads better than I was, not so tired at all, but taking it steady - beginning to realise I'm not as young as I once was!

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads glad you're feeling better ☺️