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Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Illness vs. Workout

ehass Posts: 1 Joined: 2000/12/05	2001/03/07, 07:12 PM I just recently had a cold on Monday and decided to push through with a workout anyways. Bad idea...I've been sick as a dog the last several days and will venture to say that I will not repeat this mistake again. Usually I do not get sick and certainly not longer than a day or so and it's very mild. I've heard both sides before, workout or not workout during illness. What's the general opinion? And it seems that hardcore lifting I've been doing the last month has brought down my immune system even with great diet. Any thoughts on that? Lift in a bubble?! :)
george Posts: 789 Joined: 2000/12/01	2001/03/07, 08:07 PM I can relate!.. I have been ill for the past week or so.. and I have had to stay away from the training. Some people train light, just for the sake of not missing a workout when they are sick; however, this just makes things worse. When you are ill, your body does not make any progress. Rather, you just get sicker! So I suggest, when you are sick get plenty of rest, vitamins and more more more fluids. Give your body a chance to recover before you put it under weight resistance training again. Good Luck George - ft Staff
bore Posts: 320 Joined: 2000/12/30	2001/03/07, 09:51 PM I was always told, if above the neck it's ok to workout, anything below the neck take the tome off you need. Rob
skeld2001 Posts: 271 Joined: 2001/02/10	2001/03/08, 12:47 AM I've heard the same as Rob. But on the other hand weightlifting is stress and stress weakens immune response but as long as I dont' feel weak in my body I go with Robs' rule. But I'm careful not to over estimate my strength. Dropped a really heavy squat off my shoulders one time when I was sick and did'nt take into account that my strength was down. Hazardous and very embarrassing!
BillK Posts: 361 Joined: 2000/12/26	2001/03/08, 12:40 PM Ehass, When I feel ill I will perform a lite workout maybe 35-45 percent of normal. If I don't overcome my illness within a few days I will not train until I recover. Remember that weight lifting is not just about being big and being stronger than your friends, it is a way of living a healthy life style. Weight Training is all about being healthy. So, therefore, take time out and recover. ~billk~
tt_rocker Posts: 389 Joined: 2001/01/25	2001/03/08, 01:05 PM I always thought weight training strengthens the immune system...
sunnyjack Posts: 159 Joined: 2001/03/01	2001/03/08, 01:14 PM I don't think it's a good idea to train during illness. Your body needs it resources. Rest, eat well and drink lots of fluids. If you really need some training - read something to train your mind instead.
skeld2001 Posts: 271 Joined: 2001/02/10	2001/03/11, 02:21 AM Yeah tt_rocker, in the long run it does strengthen your immune system. But if you'll notice one of the symptoms of over training is more frequent illness. If you put more demand on your body than it's prepared to handle it will weaken you. If you're ill you are already expending great effort in the healing process which means resources you use to train is taken away from other areas such as your immune system.
JonMan540 Posts: 3 Joined: 2001/02/26	2001/03/08, 06:06 PM I know what you mean. If I work out when I'm a little sick, I get fatigued fairly quickly. I still say do light workouts if you have a cold, but nothing to excess. Don't forget, along with exercise and diet, you should take vitamins. Your body is more demanding of them when you're weight-training - and your immune system might be getting short-handed.
mrhorsestud Posts: 23 Joined: 2001/01/04	2001/03/15, 09:22 AM dont lift when ur sick at all , its bad!!
Arnold Posts: 1,112 Joined: 2000/11/27	2001/03/15, 09:26 AM Hey guys.. read the FT Tip this week.. the staff has covered the topic!! .o0 Arnold 0o.