Should I still workout if sick?

[oxnume]

I "started" SL on Tuesday but started getting a fever that night and have been sick since then (hope it's not swine flu ). The fever was gone after Thursday, but now it's just a REALLY sore throat, stuffy nose, and getting more and more coughing. My energy level seems to be almost normal (if only I just slept a bit more, but have to stay up to 1 doing homework and studying for test ).

So should I continue going to the gym tomorrow or should I wait until until I'm COMPLETELY well?
Would working out make it harder for me to get well?
And would being sick affect the work out (the weights are still really light so that's not really a problem i guess)?

[arehb]

I think you should just go to the gym. If your progression into the program had been more mature and the weights closer to stalling then what you could have done is taken a light workout with 3x3 using 90% weight. Since you have just started you should just go work out.

[holvoetn]

Agreed.
Unless your condition is preventing you from walking, you should go to the gym.
Ofcourse, a high fever is not normal and should be looked at by a doctor if it persists.

Working out will make sure nutrients are being pumped in all parts of your body, it might even help to get better.
Especially when on medication (like antibiotics ) you _could_ see some negative effect on your performance, although from personal experience I must say it mostly effects your perceived energy level.
Once the iron is on your back it is only you and your mental state which will determine if you are going to make it or not (especially if the weights are relatively low) so do not let being sick be an excuse to fail !

[eLvarouza]

I don't really fuck around with fevers. When I have a fever I make sure to get a lot of sleep and eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, etc. In my experience going to the gym with a fever only makes it worse. I'll go if I have a cough, cold, or something small like that.

But since you don't have any previous experience, you could always just go and see what happens.

[Portillo]

Strengthen your immune system. You will know if you have a good immune system when you get sick only every few years.

[oxnume]

I get get sick 2/3x per year

[oxnume]

Thanks for the advice, I'll head on to the gym later today. Might use the sauna for a while after too, see if that helps...

[Ghost]

Not necessarily the best idea. Sauna more often than not worsens the fever when used during sickness. This comes from personal experience plus family members and doctor's opinion.

[oxnume]

Well my fever is gone (was gone Thursday), so its just the flu symptoms now.

[Portillo]

I get get sick 2/3x per year

Drink plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, multivitamins to strengthen your immune system.

[wrenchhands]

I mean, why not take a few days off?

[kdingo]

Your body needs the recovery time.

If you're actively shedding cold or flu viruses, putting your mitts all over equipment other people will be using really isn't very thoughtful.

If you feel like you can do it, I find that a good cardio workout (swimming, brisk walk, running) for 40-60 minutes may help burn through a cold. The New York Times ran an article on this December 2008 suggesting that working out through a mild cold is fine.

[KlimmilKSQ]

I don't really fuck around with fevers. When I have a fever I make sure to get a lot of sleep and eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, etc. In my experience going to the gym with a fever only makes it worse. I'll go if I have a cough, cold, or something small like that.

But since you don't have any previous experience, you could always just go and see what happens.

This.

I've had a fever (and have felt weak) on and off for a day and a half. A mild one, mind you, but I'm not going to screw around with my body trying to kill off the infection.