Is Working Out While Sick Bad For You?
Short answer
Working out while sick can be bad for you. In most cases it will make your sickness worse unless you have symptoms that are very mild.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
So, you have been really good about the gym lately and haven't taken a day off in a while. Now that you are sick, should you stay home and rest or go get some exercise in? The first step is deciding what kind of sickness you have. A lot of people like to do what's called the "neck check". If your symptoms involve anything above the neck (runny nose, cough, sore throat, congestion, etc.), then working out should be perfectly fine. However, if your symptoms are below the neck (aches, pains, respiratory issues, chills, fatigue, etc.), then you should definitely take the day off. Working out increases your body temperature and since many sicknesses also raise your body temperature, working out will simply make it worse. Another thing to keep in mind is after a solid workout, your body is focused repairing and building your muscles. If you are sick on the other hand, your body is focused on its immunity and ridding itself of the sickness.. not repairing muscles. Take the day off, rest, and be sure to eat lots of nutritious foods. And don't worry, you won't loose any muscle with a few days off. In fact, it will take about 3 weeks to see any loss of muscle, assuming you have been training hard up to this point.
Possible short-term side effects
- increased body temperature
-
may become sicker
Healthier alternatives
- lift very light weight
-
walk instead of run
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Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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