
Benefits And Risks Of Working Out When Sick

When you’re under the weather, it’s natural to wonder if you should continue your workout routine or take a break to rest and recover. While exercise can boost your immune system and improve your overall health, listening to your body and adjusting your workout routine based on your symptoms is important.
In this article, we’ll explore the risks and benefits of working out while sick and provide some guidelines to help you decide whether or not to exercise.
The Risks of Working Out While Sick

DANA BENDER/ NASM | A pound of muscle burns three times more calories than a pound of fat.
When you’re sick, your body is already under stress as it tries to fight off infection and heal itself. Working out can add stress to your body, making it harder to recover. Exercise can sometimes worsen your symptoms, especially if you have a respiratory infection or fever. Here are some of the risks associated with working out while sick:
Compromised Immune System
When you’re sick, your immune system works overtime to fight off infection. Adding the stress of exercise to your body can further weaken your immune system, making it harder to recover.
Spread of Infection
If you’re contagious, working out in a public gym or group fitness class can increase the risk of spreading the infection to others. It’s important to stay home and avoid contact with others until you’re no longer contagious.
Dehydration
Fever and respiratory infections can lead to dehydration, which exercise can worsen. Working out while dehydrated can put additional stress on your body and make it harder to recover.
Increased Risk of Injury
When you’re sick, your body is weakened, which can increase the risk of injury during exercise. You may also be more fatigued and less coordinated, making maintaining proper form and technique harder.
The Benefits of Working Out While Sick

DANA BENDER/ NASM | Exercising improves brain performance
While certain risks are associated with working out while sick, there are also some potential benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might consider exercising while you’re feeling under the weather:
Boosts Immune System
Exercise can boost your immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and white blood cells. This can help your body fight off infection and speed up healing.
Mood Booster
Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood and reduce stress. This can be especially beneficial when you’re under the weather and need a mental boost.
Maintains Routine
If you exercise regularly, taking a break from your routine can be difficult. Working out while sick can help you maintain your routine and prevent you from losing momentum.
Improves Respiratory Function
Light exercises, such as walking or gentle yoga, can help improve respiratory function and alleviate symptoms of congestion or coughing.
When is it Safe to Work Out While Sick?

DANA BENDER/ NASM | Running burns calories
Whether or not it’s safe to work out while sick depends on a few factors, including the type of illness you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide whether or not to exercise:
Mild Cold or Flu Symptoms
Exercising at a lower intensity is usually safe if you have mild cold or flu symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or mild cough. Stick to gentle activities like walking, yoga, or light strength training, and avoid high-intensity cardio or heavy lifting.
Fever
If you have a fever, staying home and resting until your fever has subsided is important. Exercise can increase body temperature, worsen symptoms, and delay recovery.
More inFitness
-
`
Exercise Motivations: Decoding the Enigma of Fitness
Exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. People engage in various physical activities for numerous reasons, from improving their...
August 2, 2023 -
`
Secret Travel Hacks for Travel Enthusiasts
Traveling is a wonderful experience that broadens one’s horizon and strengthens bonds. However, it can also be quite a task to...
July 25, 2023 -
`
How Sober Hollywood Icons Are Excelling in the Entertainment Business
From substance abuse scandals to rehab stints, Hollywood A-listers have been notoriously known for their struggles with addiction. But in recent...
July 18, 2023 -
`
Creating an Effective AI-Integrated Medical Device: What Does It Take?
The medical industry has made significant strides in recent years, and technology has played a vital role in these advancements. Artificial...
July 17, 2023 -
`
Miranda Kerr’s Awesome Skincare Regimen & Signature Beauty Look
Miranda Kerr has always been a symbol of natural beauty and grace. Her glowing skin and signature beauty look have made...
July 5, 2023 -
`
Benefits of 1-Minute Workouts
Finding time for fitness can be a struggle in today’s fast-paced world. You might have to work long hours, manage household...
June 27, 2023 -
`
6 Best Solo Travel Destinations in the U.S.
Solo travel can be an incredible way to explore new places, meet new people, and discover parts of yourself you never...
June 20, 2023 -
`
The Countless Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas may not be as widely known or popular as traditional saunas, but they offer a range of benefits that...
June 14, 2023 -
`
Doctors Are More Vulnerable to Burnout & Monopolies – Here’s the Way Out
With the healthcare sector under constant pressure, the issue of doctor burnout has reached a boiling point. As more and more...
June 6, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login