Urban people claim that a person can “sweat” illness through exercise, but exercising while sick may not be fun. This is not strictly true, but in some cases, exercise may help when sick. Exercise may benefit if the person has a cold or flu in the head or nose. However, if you have chest or stomach symptoms or have a fever, refrain from physical activity. If symptoms worsen or exercise causes pain, it’s best to avoid it while you’re sick.
Read this article to learn more about the benefits and risks of exercising when you are sick.
Safety
People can usually do light physical activity when they have cold symptoms. Sports with typical cold symptoms are usually fine. These symptoms can include:
Congested nose
Runny nose
Swollen or red eyes
Tension headache
In some cases, these symptoms may even improve with exercise. Exercise increases your heart rate and increases circulation, which helps the body release fluids. It is important to drink enough water during exercise, especially when sick. It’s also important to remember that your body responds differently to different exercises. In general, it’s best to avoid extremely strenuous exercise when you’re not feeling well. Instead, you should focus on lighter, movement-based exercises that promote blood flow without overtaxing your body.
Walking
Light Jogging
Leisurely Cycling
Swimming
Tai Chi
Gentle Yoga
Can I “sweat” when I’m sick?
The idea that exercise can literally make people sweat and heal is a myth. Regular exercise can keep the body healthy and boost the immune system, so it can last very long. It reduces the risk of common respiratory illnesses, reduces their severity, and may even shorten the duration of symptoms.
These effects seem to be more related to strengthening the immune system to cope better with illness than to how much one sweats during illness. may temporarily relieve the symptoms of
Risks
People with chest tightness should generally refrain from physical activity. It is important to take certain precautions regarding exercise when sick. For example, a fever is a clear sign that you should not exercise.
Clinical reports in the journal Sports Health show that fever increases fluid loss, decreases muscle strength, and makes you feel tired.
Fever also means that the body is raising its internal temperature to fight off infection. Exercise raises your body temperature and makes you feel worse.
Ear conditions are also a factor to consider. These symptoms can make a person feel dizzy or unbalanced, and can also pose a risk when exercising.
People with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea should also avoid training. Exercise can cause your body to lose water through sweating.
People who have diarrhea or vomiting have already lost a lot of water, so exercising puts them at risk of dehydration.
Chest discomfort is another sign that exercise is best avoided.
Difficulty breathing
Cough
Finally, even if you only have mild symptoms such as stuffy nose or sneezing, it is important to rest even if you feel weak or unable to exercise.
Workouts to Avoid
Some activities may not be good for you when you are sick. Your body is trying to recover, and too much pressure can make symptoms worse or lengthen your recovery time.
Exercises to avoid when sick include:
sprinting
strength training with heavy weights
endurance training
Those who choose to exercise at times can consider the following tips. Always important, but essential while the body is recovering from illness. Your body may already be using excess water to remove toxins. Dehydration from excessive sweating or a runny nose is also possible. Dehydration can be prevented by replenishing fluids during exercise and as the disease progresses.
Balances Electrolytes
Vegetable soup helps restore electrolytes after exercise. In addition to hydration, it is important to find ways to replenish electrolyte salts during exercise.
Even a cold can deplete your electrolytes. Adding sweaty workouts to the mix means that a person must take extra precautions to recover and help the body continue to function normally.
Eat a Balanced Diet
In addition to regular exercise, one of the best ways to boost your immune system and prevent infections is to eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The body also needs these healthy nutrients while recovering from an infection. That’s why it’s important to keep your workout light. Pushing your body to its limits, such as exercise, may not be the best course of action.
Even a brisk walk or bike ride can get your blood flowing without putting too much strain on your body.
Avoid Gyms
Out of respect for others, you may want to avoid exercising in enclosed spaces with shared facilities, such as gyms. Some gyms even have rules against sick people. Alternatively, you can choose to exercise at home or outdoors.
Listen to Your Body
If you feel tired after a few minutes of exercising, you should probably stop. As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s far better to give your body a chance to recover before returning to your regular training program.
Summary
The decision to exercise despite illness is most often a personal matter. Light to moderate exercise can help strengthen the immune system and prevent nausea. It can also help stimulate blood flow and relieve cold symptoms if you’re already sick. It is important to avoid strenuous or very strenuous exercise. People with more serious symptoms such as fever and severe cough should also avoid exercise.
