How Sick is Too Sick to Work Out?
At Train With Danny, our Los Angeles personal trainer knows that we are not all 100% all the time. Even in the summer months, allergies, colds, the flu, and — yep, the seemingly endless COVID variants and strains — can all leave us with a fever or symptoms like sneezing, coughing, sore throat, trouble breathing, and fatigue.
When you have a regular workout routine, you will probably ask yourself, should I skip my workout or training routine during these downtimes? The answer is, it depends. It depends on you, your body, and your actual illness.
Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Avoid the Gym When You are Sick
If you go to a gym or sessions with a personal trainer, be kind and avoid your planned workouts until you (definitely) are not contagious and are (at least) feeling better.
If you are sick, never pressure yourself to go to the gym, for the sake of going to the gym.
It is unfair to spread germs to others, so skip the crowds and consider a lower-intensity workout from home.
Consider a Home Workout Alternative
First and foremost, if you are suffering from an illness that requires a medical treatment plan, talk to your doctor about whether working out at all is advisable. Then follow their orders.
If it is okay to work out, we know your home workout is nothing like your gym or personal trainer sessions. And that is probably good news. If you are sick, you do not need to wear yourself down by triggering stress — from heavy breathing and muscle tension — within the body.
Your immune system is already stressed from your illness. Do not push it by taking a challenging run that could make you sicker.
Instead, consider changing the pace from your normal workout.
The right types of movement can help you recover without hurting yourself.
Consider low-intensity movement that can help you feel better faster and recover sooner.
This can include long walks outside, low-pace cardio, yoga, or a mobility circuit.
The key is to keep your heart rate lower during the session, so you are not gasping for air, straining your immune system further. Listen to your body.
Go Online and Workout from Anywhere
In some cases, colds, the flu, and other contagious illnesses may require a quarantine period that separates you from the world — or even the rest of your family.
If you feel fine, but do not feel safe interacting with the outside world, go online!
Train With Danny has on-demand and live classes available for all fitness levels.
We also have a new app to access workouts offline, track your progress, collect health data, and get an all-access pass to premium features to take control of your training today.
When you are ready, and want to add to the intensity of your workout sign up for our fitness plan on the app for just $1 for the first 30 days! Contact Train With Danny to learn more about the transformative benefits of partnering with a personal trainer in Los Angeles.