I'm Sick - Should I Sweat It Out?

Saturday 7:00 pm - I'm sitting at a table watching go-karts zoom and screech loudly around an indoor track while waiting for my son's turn to drive. I feel a wave of exhaustion and fatigue wash over me and immediately regret agreeing to let them do 3 races (what was I thinking, we'll be here FOREVER!!!). I think I'm getting sick.

Sunday 10:30 am - after fitful sleep, I get in to see a doctor as soon as possible. Test results confirm that I have Type Flu A. Husband brings home drugs, and I try to rest.

Tuesday 3:00 pm - The couch and I are one organism. How can I be this tired? And what day is it? In my fuzzy brain I feel like someone has archery practice or a soccer game? I haven't worked out since....I have no idea. This is my life now.

I am happy to say I made it to the other side and have made a full recovery! Meet my lavender & hemp filled microwavable chicken, Gertie. Gertie, along with these super-powered wool socks from a very good friend, and this fuzzy blanket brought me comfort while my body fought off the flu. Maybe you have wondered when you come down with something: Should I sweat it out or rest and recover?

First, note that there’s a difference between “working out” and “physically moving the body.”

A structured workout routine — one where you’re breathing heavily, sweating, working hard, and feeling some discomfort — awakens a stress response in the body.

When we’re healthy, our bodies can easily adapt to that stress. Over time, this progressive adaptation is precisely what makes us fitter and stronger.

But when we’re sick, the stress of a tough workout can be more than our immune systems can handle.

Still, there’s no reason to dive for the couch the minute you feel the sniffles coming on. Unless you’re severely out of shape, non-strenuous movement shouldn’t hurt you — and it might even help.

What do I mean by “non-strenuous movement”? Think of things like walking and cycling outdoors, gardening, light yoga & stretching. These activities aren’t intense enough to create serious immune-compromising stress on the body. Instead, they often help you feel better and recover faster while feeling under the weather.

Non-strenuous movement and purposefully working out are different. Plus, as you probably know from your experience with RAH! Power Fitness, not all workouts are created equal. There are low intensity workouts and high intensity workouts — and all sorts of workouts in between.

But what’s low to one person might be high to another. So how can you decide what level of intensity counts as strenuous? Let your own perceived level of exertion be your guide.

In general, a low to moderate intensity workout will leave you feeling energized. A high intensity workout, on the other hand, delivers a booty-kicking. A booty-kicking isn't what you need when you're feeling sick.

• Consistent, moderate exercise and resistance training can strengthen the immune system over time. So, by all means, train hard while you’re healthy.

• However, single high intensity or long duration exercise sessions can interfere with immune function. So take it easy when you’re feeling sick.

If you’re actually sick and fighting an infection, your immune system will already be stressed. If you add the stress of prolonged vigorous exercise, you might, quite simply, overload yourself. That will make you sicker. Nobody wants that! A healthy body might be able to adapt to all of that, but a body that’s fighting an infection is not a healthy body.

Moral of the story? Let your body be your guide. The flu wiped me out, and I can tell you that I didn't feel like doing a single thing until day 5. I emerged from my cocoon for a gentle stroll outside in the sunshine, and that was just what I needed.

Your biggest protection from illness and viruses? Staying physically active and eating a colorful diet rich in proteins, veggies & fruits! Getting sick is a fact of life; at some point we all come down with something. I hope you have a good friend that gives you warm socks & a lavender-filled microwavable chicken to bring you comfort & a smile! RAH!