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Should I stop exercising if i’m feeling ill?


 

Regular exercise improves our heart, lung and muscle function, not to mention the positive effect on our mental health. But even the most avid gym goer could be stopped in her tracks when she’s struggling to breathe! If exercise is a core feature of your daily routine, but you’re feeling sick, you might want to think twice before hitting the gym.

Here are a few guidelines to consider before your next workout:

  • If you have a common cold (and no fever), the US-based Mayo Clinic suggests that mild to moderate physical activity would be fine. If you’re properly hydrated, exercise can even loosen nasal congestion and open the sinuses.
  • If your symptoms are “above the neck” – mild to moderate exercise is fine if your symptoms only affect the sinuses, throat and head – such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or a minor sore throat. Depending on how you feel, you could reduce the length and intensity of your workout. Go for a walk instead of a run, for instance.
  • If your symptoms are “below the neck”, such as chest congestion, a dry cough, or upset stomach, give your running shoes a break while you rest.
  • If you have Covid-19 or any other contagious illnesses, don’t spread anything but goodwill as you recover at home – away from people!
  • If you have signs of an infection – such as fever, fatigue or muscle aches, your body is already working hard to recover from illness, so rest.
  • If you have asthma, ensure that your asthma is properly controlled before becoming more physically active. If your asthma is poorly controlled, you run the risk of an exercise-related adverse event, so speak to your doctor before becoming more active. When exercising, incorporate a progressive warm-up into your routine, and avoid exercising in excessive cold or in environments that trigger your asthma.
  • If you have acute bronchitis (temporary), some bronchitis symptoms can be exacerbated by exercise, so allow your body to rest and recover properly. Wait until you’re asymptomatic before getting into the saddle again.
  • If you have chronic bronchitis (long-term), like acute bronchitis, you need to rest and then ease yourself into an exercise routine. For those with chronic lung conditions, the European Lung Foundation recommends ‘interval’ exercises, which alternate between a few minutes of activity and then rest, to help reduce shortness of breath.
  • If you’re living with cystic fibrosis, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (US) encourages people with cystic fibrosis to work with their care team to find ways to exercise safely. The benefits of exercise will give you more energy for daily tasks, including daily CF treatments, and regular exercise can help improve your ability to get mucus out of your airways. Simple ways to incorporate exercise are to walk the stairs or walk the dog, dance to your favourite music, or park further from the store entrance.

You know how you feel, so if you’re feeling terrible, take that break. Once you’re well on your way to recovery, gradually ease into your normal workout routine. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult with your doctor.


 

References

  1. Burr, J. F., Davidson, W., Shephard, R. J., & Eves, N. (2012). Physical activity in chronic respiratory conditions: assessing risks for physical activity clearance and prescription. Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien, 58(7), 761–764. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3395516/
  2. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (n.d.). Why Fitness Matters. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation [Online]. Accessed on 9 March 2023. Available from https://www.cff.org/managing-cf/why-fitness-matters
  3. Huizen, J. (2017). Is it safe to exercise with bronchitis?. Medical News Today [Online]. Accessed on 9 March 2023. Available from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317849#Exercising-with- bronchitis
  4. Laskowski, E.R. (2022). Is it OK to exercise if I have a cold?. Mayo Clinic [Online]. Accessed on 9 March 2023. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert- answers/exercise/faq- 20058494#:~:text=Don’t%20exercise%20if%20your,fatigue%20or%20widespread%20muscle%20aches
  5. Whelan, C. (2019). Is It Safe to Exercise with Bronchitis?. Healthline [Online]. Accessed on 9 March 2023. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/can-bronchitis-turn-into-pneumonia

Disclaimer

These articles are for information purposes only. It cannot replace the diagnosis of a healthcare provider. Pharma Dynamics gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained in such articles and shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any consequences which may be suffered as a result of a user’s reliance thereon.

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