Min Read

How To Workout When You’re Sick

Written by

FitBudd

Wondering whether is it good to workout when sick? Find out what experts have to say on this, what exercises to do or not to do while being sick, and more

88% trainers worldwide gave FitBudd 5 stars

Transform your fitness business with the power of your own branded app on iOS and Android.

Try for FREE

All you need to know about working out while sick

When you’re feeling sick, the last thing you want to do is work out. You probably just want to crawl under the covers and sleep for days. But did you know that working out while sick can help make you feel better? Believe it or not, your body burns more calories when you’re sick, so by continuing to exercise, you can actually speed up your recovery! This blog post will discuss some tips for working out when feeling under the weather.

Let's take a look at these exercises.

1. Walking

Do you burn more calories when sick? Yes, you actually do burn more calories when sick, but that doesn’t necessarily mean working out is the best idea. Walking is a great low-impact exercise that can help you get your heart rate up without putting too much strain on your body. If you have a cold or the flu, walking can help you get some relief from congestion and coughing. Just be sure to take it easy and listen to your body. You can do a few things to make walking more effective when you’re sick.

2. Jogging

If you have a cold or the flu, working out may not be the first thing on your mind. But if you're up to it, a moderate jog can help you feel better by loosening congestion and temporarily relieving symptoms. Just be sure to listen to your body – if working out worsens your symptoms, skip it.

For effective jogging while sick, follow these tips:

Drink plenty of fluids before and after working out to avoid dehydration.
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing to avoid getting chilled or overheated.
Start slowly and build up your pace as you feel able.
Pay attention to your breathing and focus on inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
If you start to feel worse during your jog, stop and rest.

Remember – when in doubt, always consult a doctor before working out while sick. They can help you determine if it’s safe for you to exercise based on the severity of your illness.

‍

88% trainers worldwide gave us 5 stars

Transform your fitness business with the power of your branded app on iOS and Android.

Try for FREE

No Login Required

3. Yoga

Is it good to work out when sick? If you’re feeling up to working out but don’t want to risk worsening your symptoms, consider doing some gentle yoga. Yoga can help improve your circulation and breathing, both of which can be helpful when you’re sick. A few poses, in particular, can be especially beneficial when you're under the weather. Try doing some gentle chest openers to help clear congestion in your chest and sinuses.

Poses like a child’s pose and cat-cow can also help relieve tension and fatigue. And finally, the Corpse pose is a great way to relax your body and mind while giving yourself a chance to rest. If you decide to do yoga while sick, listen to your body and only do what feels comfortable. It’s also important to practice good hygiene by wiping your mat and equipment before and after use. And if you’re feeling sick, it’s probably best to stay home and rest.

4. Dance

Should you work out when sick? Yes, you can do a low-intensity workout if you want when sick. Dance is a great way to stay active when you’re under the weather. Not only does it allow you to get your heart rate up, but it also helps improve your coordination and flexibility. And, if you’re doing it with friends, it can be a great way to de-stress and have some fun. There are plenty of online resources that can help you find dance routines that are appropriate for your fitness level and interests. You can also check out local studios or community centers to see if they offer classes or workshops.

‍

Exercises to Avoid When Sick

Exercising while sick that you should avoid:

1. Running

If you have a fever, it’s best to avoid running. Feverish people often feel weak and unsteady, so running could make you more likely to fall or collapse. In addition, if you have a respiratory infection, running can make your symptoms worse.

Instead of running, try walking at a moderate pace. Walking is still a good way to get some exercise while sick. Just be sure to listen to your body and take breaks as needed.

2. Swimming

Swimming is generally safe when you’re sick, but there are a few things to remember. First, swimming can increase your risk of getting an infection from the water if you have diarrhea. Second, pools and other bodies of water can be breeding grounds for germs, so it’s important to shower before and after swimming. Finally, the pool may not be the best place for you if you have a fever since fevers can cause dehydration.

‍

3. Weightlifting

Weightlifting is generally safe when you’re sick, but there are a few things to remember. First, lifting weights can make you dehydrated if you have a fever. Second, lifting weights can make you more likely to get an infection if you have diarrhea or vomiting. Finally, if you have a respiratory infection, lifting weights can make your symptoms worse.

4. Team Sports

One of the worst decisions you can make while sick is to go out and play a team sport. When you’re sick, your body is already working overtime to fight off the infection, and adding the physical activity of playing a sport on top of that will only make you feel worse. In addition, there’s also the risk of passing your sickness on to your teammates.

If you’re feeling sick, it’s best to rest up and take care of yourself, so you can get back to 100% as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

There's no easy answer when it comes to workout for when you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, it's best to rest and let your body recover. However, if your symptoms are above the neck (a runny nose, congestion, etc.), working out may help you feel better by clearing your sinuses and giving you a boost of endorphins. Ultimately, listening to your body and doing what feels right is important.