Training while sick

[Joanne]

I have been experiencing flu like symptoms this week and a sinus/cold headache. I have been beginning to feel a little better but I am wondering whether I will have the energy to get through a workout. I wouldn't do anything intensive but I am just wondering what you do when you are sick and your energy levels are low. Should I just let my body rest and wait until I feel 80-100% better or would you advise me to push myself to get my workouts in? Will working out help or just slow down the healing process?
Thanks.

[rab91787]

I've trained sick many times... never with flu-like symptoms though. If you think you have something serious caused by an infection or virus I would NOT do anything strenuous. If it's just like a bad headache or something I just pop pills and by the time I hit the gym and get adrenaline going, I don't even notice it. I'd let your workouts go if you think it is something serious.

[gymgirl]

i've also worked out sick, but it is usualy just when i have head cold symptoms; and have felt much better afterwards. i usualy scale down my workouts if not feeling well and do come cardio to get the blood flowing, and weight training. i've NEVER worked out if i had flu like symptoms (aches, fever, shakiness, etc.,) if you have those symptoms i would say hold off until you feel better. obviously make sure you are getting plenty of water too. hope you feel better soon.

[Joanne]

Hi gymgirl,

I was looking over your meal plan and I couldn't believe how much protein was coming from your vegetarian chill. I'm guessing that you use 'round ground' (meat substitute) and lots of beans. Your meal plans are very helpful. Thanks for posting them. I'm vegetarian and sometimes I find myself slacking in preparing myself balanced meals and being able to meet my protein needs for the day. Looking over your meal plans helps me tremendously.
Thanks.

[gymgirl]

hi, joanne!

first of all, don't get too impressed by that veggie chilli! i'm not sure how much protein is in there, as fitday can be off sometimes. i just found one that had very similar ingredients. i mostly use it as a guideline. that is a great idea to add round ground or whatever that meat substitute is, i hadn't even thought of that. i'm sure that would really add some protein! thank you for the idea. i do use lots and lots of beans though!

i too have always had trouble finding balanced meals, and keeping a log on fitday (even if it's not exact) has helped me find a balance that works for me. do you eat fish at all?

anyway, glad the meal plans helped you! :

[EliteLift]

i only workout when i'm 100% so i can go 100% anything less seems like a waste of time to me.

[SarahPT]

Hi there,
my general rule is that if you have a cold and feel up to it, go ahead and workout. But for flu symptoms or a fever, stay home and rest.
Hope you feel better!

Sarah