This past week has been rough. I have been quite sickly, somewhere between a really awful cold and migraine-city. I've been buried in tissues and beneath my blanket. Not fun.
In the eloquent words of Queen Adele, "I've got a bit of snot."
Now, in general, I don't like to admit defeat to illness. I also like to abide by the "if you're only sick from your neck up, it's okay to work out" rule. When I wasn't feeling so hot earlier in the week, I really didn't want to give up my exercise. The previous week was so busy that I didn't do the classes or runs I wanted. This week, then, was supposed to be full of nice, long runs to make up for it. Instead, I ran one mile. Am I thrilled about that? No. But do I think I did the right thing? Yes.
I do prioritize fitness in my life, and that's something that I'm proud of. I treat my workouts with the same commitment as any other appointment or meeting in my calendar. However, just as I might sometimes have to postpone a date with a friend stay in bed and recover from illness, the same goes for workouts.
PLUS, the gym is no place for sick people. (1) It's infested with germs you do NOT want to be exposed to when your immune system is already compromised, and (2) you shouldn't be bringing your germs in to infect OTHER people!
Anyway, just sharing my disappointment (but acceptance!) of my less-than-stellar fitness these few weeks so that you all know that it's okay, AND it will get better. You'll get back on that road, into that gym, to that studio.
For me? I felt better this morning, so I went to my first Spinning class in two weeks. Within a minute of pedaling my feet, I started to feel like myself again, so ENERGIZED! It felt good to move, to sweat, to exhaust myself intentionally. Although it was frustrating, I'm glad I took a few days off to let my body recover a bit, because it felt that much better to jump back into fitness.
So when you're down and out, just focus on how great it'll feel when you're finally ready to get back IN.
What rules do you follow for working out while under the weather? How do you slide back into fitness after days, weeks, or months without?
In the eloquent words of Queen Adele, "I've got a bit of snot."
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Now, in general, I don't like to admit defeat to illness. I also like to abide by the "if you're only sick from your neck up, it's okay to work out" rule. When I wasn't feeling so hot earlier in the week, I really didn't want to give up my exercise. The previous week was so busy that I didn't do the classes or runs I wanted. This week, then, was supposed to be full of nice, long runs to make up for it. Instead, I ran one mile. Am I thrilled about that? No. But do I think I did the right thing? Yes.
I do prioritize fitness in my life, and that's something that I'm proud of. I treat my workouts with the same commitment as any other appointment or meeting in my calendar. However, just as I might sometimes have to postpone a date with a friend stay in bed and recover from illness, the same goes for workouts.
PLUS, the gym is no place for sick people. (1) It's infested with germs you do NOT want to be exposed to when your immune system is already compromised, and (2) you shouldn't be bringing your germs in to infect OTHER people!
Anyway, just sharing my disappointment (but acceptance!) of my less-than-stellar fitness these few weeks so that you all know that it's okay, AND it will get better. You'll get back on that road, into that gym, to that studio.
For me? I felt better this morning, so I went to my first Spinning class in two weeks. Within a minute of pedaling my feet, I started to feel like myself again, so ENERGIZED! It felt good to move, to sweat, to exhaust myself intentionally. Although it was frustrating, I'm glad I took a few days off to let my body recover a bit, because it felt that much better to jump back into fitness.
So when you're down and out, just focus on how great it'll feel when you're finally ready to get back IN.
What rules do you follow for working out while under the weather? How do you slide back into fitness after days, weeks, or months without?
I like it.. i find a nice steady run is a great decongestant (if air is good,mild weather,etc). Good read.
ReplyDeleteGood point! Fresh air is ALWAYS helpful and reinvigorating
DeleteI just do my treadmil, in the back bedroom... and truthfully, I am VERY lucky ....I get sick maybe once every 5 years... Knock, knock .....I just knocked on wood so I don't jinx myself
ReplyDeleteFeel better
Thanks! And so good for you. Ya, I usually will try to walk as much as I can. Any movement is better than just lying around! Keep up your healthy streak :)
DeleteIf it's just in my head and it doesn't hurt to run (you know those runs where every footsteps resounds in your head), I'll run either on my 'mill or outside. I don't do really long runs or particularly hard ones, but I do try to keep moving. If I have anything that requires advil, I don't run, but I might do a circuit type workout.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are starting to feel better.
I just listen to my body, if it is below the neck I usually take off. I try to do easier workouts just to get in some movement but if my body says no, even if it is just a head cold I will rest. I have learned to listen to what my body is saying! Glad you are feeling better, it six to be sick :(
ReplyDeleteI have always lived by the neck and up rule, although I will admit to running a 5K here and there with full on bronchitis which is just about as painful as you can imagine. Honestly I've never given much thought to the don't be sick at the gym thing, but now I see how rude it is and possible dangerous for me too.
ReplyDeleteYa, I hadn't give it much thought either; I used to scoff at OTHERS at the gym coughing or sneezing, yet I'd still go myself. Now, I avoid going when sick (because it's bad for them AND bad for me), but if I have a cold and really want to go to the gym or a group class, I will be very careful about washing my hands, keeping tissues with me, and wiping down equipment.
DeleteLove this!! I try not to follow rules because then I find that if I have to go against those rules I become disappointed in myself. Usually I try to just go with how my body feels. That's usually the best option for me! I'm so glad that you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY - that is exactly what I did this week. I have my 'general rule', but I knew that I was simply not up to it this week. It would have only made me feel worse, and the workout would not have been a productive one.
DeleteI just wrote a post about this last week! I agree with you and everyone is different. You have to listen to your body and do what will help you get better and of course make you feel better. :) http://wp.me/pXbLs-QV
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You've got great advice; sounds like a good action plan, yoga-sweating it out, hydrating, clean eating. :)
DeleteSorry your feeling so crummy. I had a coach in college who said "the only time we don't run is when we have a fever" His voice has stayed with me all of these years. That is the simple rule I follow.. a fever is the only thing that stops a workout. I hope you get better soon
ReplyDeleteSorry you're sick
ReplyDeleteI dont get sick so I've never had to deal with this :)
so sorry you are sick, I was totally that way at the beginning of this month. Also agree no one sick needs to be at the freaking gym!
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI was feeling this way last week when I was sick! It was hard for me to accept taking time off from working out. I did one day of yoga and one day completely off, and then when I was back to my routine the third day, I felt SO energized and glad I'd rested. Last night I started feeling meh again, so to be on the safe side this morning I let myself sleep in instead of waking up for yoga. I know that tomorrow when I go back to my tough cardio class, I'll be SO ready for it. Good for you for holding back and letting yourself heal, it's tough!
ReplyDelete