When we are sick, it may seem like everything in our lives is weighed down. We have to adjust things we do on a daily basis, such as working, running errands, or socializing to best help us recover. Regardless of the level of sickness, exercise in some way is still probably something you can incorporate when you are under the weather to help you recover quicker. Here are 3 Ways to Exploit Exercise Loopholes when You’re Sick!
1. Analyse Your Level of Sickness
The first thing to do, before you start any level of exercise, is to determine the severity of your sickness. According to some medical studies, exercise is fine when your symptoms are above your neck. This means that it is fine to work out with symptoms such as the common cold with nasal congestion.
It is however not okay to exercise if you have a fever, or symptoms below the neck, such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or an upset stomach. Although, if you have minor symptoms, studies say mild exercise could actually help these symptoms, by opening your “nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.” (There is a lot more to this subject ie. a member of the Keep Fit Kingdom team are studying why they have not been sick once in almost 24 months, stay tuned for more.)
If you are unsure about exercising with your sickness, talk to your doctor for the best health evaluation.
2. Adjust Your Workout Routine
Once you have determined it’s okay to exercise, lower the intensity of your everyday workout routine. When you are sick, it is important to be gentle on your body and not push yourself to the extreme. If you have a cold, do not decide that today is the day to break your weight lifting record!
Take a relaxing to moderate-paced walk instead of a run or perform a simple yoga routine, such as the one below which is a simple 15-minute yoga workout specifically designed for someone who is sick. Let your body relax with this soothing routine. The most important thing to do is listen to your body and not overexert yourself; taking it easy does not mean you are slacking – think long term.
3. Drink Lots of Water
You’ve heard about the importance of drinking water, especially when you are sick, but do you know the reasons why? According to Kathleen Dass, MD, from the Michigan Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, “Drinking things like water, juice, or electrolyte-containing fluids will help you replace the fluids and electrolytes you’ve lost while also loosening mucus — if you have a cold — helping to relieve congestion.” Drinking water also regulates your body’s temperature and lubricates your joints, helping your body perform at its highest level.
