Should You Exercise When Youre Sick?

People who schedule exercise into their busy day are more likely to get it done than those who do it when they have a free moment. But sometimes life throws a wrench into the best laid plans to exercise. Illness is a good example. Few people feel like going on a power walk when they have a temperature of 101 degrees. Despite this, some gung-ho exercisers choose to tough it out even when they feel ill. Is this a good idea? Should you exercise when youre sick?

While its good to be committed to fitness, everyone needs a day of rest especially when theyve pushed themselves too hard and, particularly, when theyre sick. That being said, whether you exercise when sick should depend upon how sick you are. Most people who are simply feeling a little tired with no other symptoms may feel re-energized after a workout. Theres really no better cure for simple sluggishness than forty minutes of fast paced aerobic activity.

On the other hand, there are probably more times that you shouldnt exercise when sick than occasions that you should. If youre running a fever, its almost always best to take the day off. Intense exercise can temporarily suppress immune function and make it more difficult to fight offa cold or flu virus. Exercise also causes fluid loss through sweating which is harmful if youre running a fever. There are few benefits to exercising with a febrile illness.

Its also best to take the day off from exercise if youre vomiting or have diarrhea. Exercising when youre sick with a gastrointestinal virus can lead to dehydration, lightheadedness, fainting, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. If you have to make extra trips to the bathroom, do yourself a favor and give exercise a rest.

Keep in mind that when you go to the gym to exercise when youre sick, youre exposing other people to illness. How many times have you heard someone with a hacking cough walking on the treadmill next to you? Chances are theyre doing themselves and others around them more harm than good. Its best not to spread your illness around the gym.

Its also important to avoid exercising outdoors in cold weather when youre sick for obvious reasons. If youre not feeling well, some gentle stretching exercises or yoga moves can be a good substitute for your standard workout until you start to feel better. Sometimes its best to give your body a few days to heal and then you can come back stronger than ever!