We all know that regular exercise can help improve our immune system but should you stick to your exercise routine if you are sick?

Where Are Your Symptoms?

The nature of your symptoms gives an indication of whether you should stay at home and rest or whether you could continue with your exercise routine.  If your symptoms are above the neck this normally indicates that you could continue to exercise.  This includes typical mild cold symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, a minor sore throat or congestion.  A brisk workout could help you to feel better and relieve congestion.  You should still be careful about the intensity of your workout – if you don’t feel well then decrease the intensity (walk instead of run) or stop and rest.

Symptoms that are below the neck are usually more serious.  This includes a hacking or deep cough, chest congestion, wheezing, stomach discomfort, fever, chills, overall fatigue and muscle aches.  You should not exercise when you have these symptoms as your body needs to rest.  It can be dangerous to increase your body temperature when you already have a fever, and you may find that you need even more time to recover if you try to persist with your workout.

Getting Better

If you are sick you need to make sure that you keep yourself filled up with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and keep your water intake up.

Avoid Passing Your ‘Bugs’ on

If you are sick then you should be careful not to pass your illness to others, especially if you exercise in a gym or club.  Sneeze into a tissue and then dispose of this immediately.  Always wash your hands after sneezing or touching equipment.   Use the disinfectant or cleaner provided to wipe the equipment that you have used in the gym.

Always Check When You Are in Doubt

You know your body best but you should always check with your doctor if you think that your symptoms are not improving or if you are unsure if you should be exercising or not.  It is better to be safe than sorry!