Safely Guide Your Exercise Routine Through the Flu Season

Should you ignore sore throat and sniffly nose and try to keep up with your training routine? Or should you give up all hopes of staying on top of your workout game? In case you’re feeling under the weather, this is for you! You’ll find top tips from personal trainer and founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS Sarah Campus. Read on to learn whether it’s safe to exercise when sick.

Safe or Not So Much? Exercising When Sick

In general, light workout moves are great for you if your symptoms aren’t too bad. Even moderate exercise can be okay for you. What you should stay mindful of is not working out for too long or trying HIIT or other high-intensity workouts, Sarah explains. Training while sick isn’t just safe, but it can also help you feel better, at least temporarily.

Boost Immunity by Working Out

If you just keep getting sick, it’s time to consider what you can do to boost your immune system. Believe it or not, staying active might be just what you need. As Sarah puts it, exercise strengthens all systems in your body, including your immunity. Moderate-intensity workouts and endurance training can help you increase the circulation of immune cells throughout your body. In turn, that helps boost your immune system.

Of course, if you’re feeling terrible, stay mindful of what your body tells you and take as much rest as you need. Remember that training isn’t about competition but about building strength and endurance.

Can Exercise Worsen Flu Symptoms?

If you don’t give yourself enough recovery time after each set, you might overdo the training routine. That, contrary to what you might think, will only make things worse. So, if you’re feeling like you won’t be able to handle three days of exercise in a row, just skip one day. Listen to your body, and don’t overwork yourself even if you’re not sick at all!

Does Exercising Help Fight Off a Cold?

Remember that boosting the immune system isn’t necessarily the same as fighting off sickness. If you’re in an advanced stage of your sickness and choose a high-intensity level workout, you can do more harm than good. For example, if you’re going through a rough cold with a high temperature, it might be better to prioritize rest until you feel you can handle a 10-20 min workout.

Now that you know what to be careful about when working out while sick, pick your favorite routine and get moving! Sort of.