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Should You Exercise When You’re Sick??

[one_half]During this time of year, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “Should I workout when I am sick?”

Like many topics in fitness, there isn’t a clear-cut, scientific answer to working out while being sick. Common sense says that if you’re only sort of sick (a cold), its ok to work out. If you’re really sick (for instance, the flu), you shouldn’t work out as you could do more harm than good.

It’s a fact that exercise is an immunity booster. Fit people recover from illnesses quicker and experience milder symptoms than sedentary people. With that said, while exercising moderately can boost immunity, the opposite is also true. Intense exercise can increase your susceptibility to being sick.

So how do you know when to sweat it out or sit it out?? DO THE NECK CHECK: If your symptoms are above the neck, including nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, runny nose and sneezing then it’s OK to exercise. If your symptoms are below the neck, such as body aches, fever, and upset stomach, then it’s time to hang up the running shoes until these symptoms subside. If you absolutely must exercise, do exercises like yoga, Pilates or light aerobic training, but avoid high-intensity training, as it will suppress your immunity.

When it comes to the final word on being sick and whether you should exercise, it comes down to three words – rest, reflect, and recover. Do that.[/one_half]

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