EVERYONE IS SICK... If I'm sick, should I still workout?

Tis the season, ain't it? Most people I have spoken with this past week have been under the weather. Ranging from some sniffles to the full-blown flu. Most have something lingering.

Catching a cold may be the only downside coming out of the holiday season. The abundant sugar and alcohol consumption, late nights and early mornings, and kids running around as vectors for germs you haven’t even heard of before. It's a natural to get sick this time of year.

Getting sick like this puts a damper on our days. Especially if you’re a pretty active person already or someone who started to lean into improving their health.

The question of “Should I go train or should I rest”? will be prominent.

Here’s my take on it -

Put simply, It will ALWAYS be dependent on YOU.

Consensus says Illnesses from the Neck and up, such as a runny nose, sore throat, sinus issues, or congestion, you will be generally safe to train.

Below the neck, such as chest congestion, fever, body aches, or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea, rest is needed.

You are the one who knows your body best.

I am one who knows movement in general is going to be beneficial for me overall.

The catch is, when I train INTENSITY goes way down. I know there will be benefits of getting the blood flowing, the heart working, and the body temperature increased slightly.

If it’s all in the neck and head, this means I’ll go run at an easy pace for a short distance (<30 minutes). It seems as if doing so actually helps the body get better and clear up what is going on inside.

If the lungs are involved in being sick, I’ll end up walking or hopping on a stationary bike for a short ride (<30 minutes).

Being in-tune with the body is critical to this. If I am achy, run-down, carrying a high fever, or sick to my stomach… odds are rest is called for. This is where mindfulness comes into play - I can sense extra strain on the body (muscle) is only going to hurt so I rest them.

General Health Tips (no matter the illness):

• Get an extra amount of sleep, nap even. Let the body do what it’s meant to do.

• Eat plenty of Citrus Fruits - High Vitamin C (and others) will help.

• Get out in the Sunlight - Vitamin D is crucial for immune function (supplement if needed)

• HEAT - Get in a sauna, or steam room, or take an Epsom salt bath. Get out when you feel called to. The goal here (without a fever) is to help raise the body temperature slightly to help the body fight the illness.

• HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE - having enough fluids in the body helps the body operate from a place of abundance. Lubricating and moving what it needs to clear the illness.

• Avoid High Amounts of Sugar & Alcohol- will cause the body to roller coaster energy

• Don’t be afraid to take cold medicine - just don't abuse it

• Go see a doctor if symptoms are lasting longer than a week**Note that none of this is medical advice**

If you are feeling ill, I hope this helps!

Feel Better, LIVE better,

Sam