Thread: Sick and training

i always do, unless it's really bad.

Originally Posted by sweatshopchamp

Should one workout when they have a cold or any respiritory infection?

It depends on how serious it is...if its severe then no stay out of the gym. Give your body proper nutrition, vitamines, and rest. You don't want to tax the body any more then the virus already is and you don't want to get anyone in your gym sick or they may get a little pissed. But if its a tiny little thing some say working out helps to get rid of it...I ussually just take a week off and try to keep myself from getting sick.

I worked out with a cold the other day, but I was going to take off tomorrow if things didn't improve. You'll know if you should workout or not. Your body will tell you.

Just be careful if you have a respiratory tract infection - especially if it extends into your lower airways (so if you are coughing and things) and especially if it is a bacterial infection.

This is because it means you can have the bacteria down in your lungs and, when you exercise, you can get 'mini bleeding' into the lungs (perfectly normal in tiny amounts - due to capillary damage with heavy exercise). When this happens the bacteria can get into your blood and can (not always, but CAN) spread through your body to set up infections.

I know a few people who have had serious complications as a result. One friend now has perminant heart damage due to developing a cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) as a result of exercising when sick.

She now can not get her heart rate up above 120 BPM. EVER. Otherwise she risks heart attack.

Not only that, but exercising when you are sick is just going to prolonge your recovery time!!

In my opinion you are better to rest up, drink lots of fluids and get back to the gym in good health in a few days.

thanks for the info. guys. Im sick often and i just want to make good decisions.

Originally Posted by sweatshopchamp

Should one workout when they have a cold or any respiritory infection?

it's basically pointless as anabolism is the last biological funtion that the human body performs. if there is infection, etc. that last thing the body is worried about is increasing MPS...