NicoleI was just sent an email with this question about training while sick, so I though I would share my response:
So I’ve been sick for one week now w/respiratory symptoms. I’m definitely on the mend, I just have a cruddy cough. TRYING to take it easy which isn’t easy! Bike ride and swimming Monday and 5 min run on Tuesday until a stranger offered me his inhaler. So what’s your take on training when sick?
Here’s the scoop on training while sick….
The general rule of thumb is that if it is your neck or above, it is OK to workout as long as you are not fatigued or dehydrated…if you feel up to it. If the symptoms are in your chest, it is best to rest. (Hey that rhymed!) Obviously if you are running a fever, your body needs to fight that and not have to recover from a workout as well. also not worth hacking up a lung trying to get through a workout. Missing a few days of training to recover from an illness is worth it. If you try to train through illness you can make your symptoms worse and then have to take more days off later to recover. Those would essentially be wasted training days. I’m a believer in erring on the side of caution and taking an extra rest day or two.
Nicole
