We have all had our clients ask this question: “Should I exercise when I am sick?”
Here is what I tell my clients and I thought you might benefit from this info too….
What do you do when you are sick?
We’re deep into the cold and flu season and if you haven’t caught a bug yet you no doubt have friends, family or colleagues who may be sending germs in your direction. The question is – can you keep exercising when you’re sick? Although more research is needed in this area, the general guideline is that if you have symptoms of a common cold with no fever and all your symptoms are above the neck, moderate exercise like walking should be ok. However, if your symptoms include fever, extreme tiredness, muscle aches or swollen lymph glands, you should refrain from exercise until you get better. When you do start exercising again, progress slowly and gently. And keep in mind, even if you do have to take a few days off because you’re feeling under the weather, it really won’t make that big of a difference to your overall fitness level if you’re consistent with your program the rest of the time.
If you find yourself getting sick often, is there something you can do about it?
We are exposed to germs and viruses all the time so what determines whether you actually get sick or not? The likelihood of you catching the cold or flu depends on a number of factors, including advancing age, whether you smoke or not, high levels of stress, poor nutrition and lack of sleep. It is important to note that exercisers frequently report that they experience less sickness than their sedentary peers. In fact, according to the American Council on Exercise, 61% of 700 recreational runners had fewer colds since they began running while only 4% reported the frequency had increased. During moderate exercise, various immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. So every time you go for a brisk walk, your immune system receives a boost that could increase your chances of fighting off respiratory infections.
But exercise won’t guarantee you won’t get sick. Sometimes, too much exercise can put you at a greater risk for developing a virus. For example, a high percentage of marathoners and triathletes get sick immediately after a big event. The theory is that exercise in generals boosts the immune system but too much exercise at a high intensity may suppress it making you more susceptible to catching viruses.
Here are some general tips to strengthen your immune system and reduce your odds of getting sick:
- Eat Well: The immune system depends on many vitamins, minerals and sufficient caloric intake for optimal functioning. Make sure you consume plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day.
- Get lots of Sleep: The American Council on Exercise reports that major sleep disruption (three hours less than normal) has been linked to immune suppression.
- Exercise: Move your body and workout so you receive a regular boost to your immune system.
- Avoid Over-Training: Space vigorous workouts and race events as far apart as possible. Allow for adequate recovery days within your schedule.
Yours in health, fitness & business,
Sherri McMillan
PS. Check out this article that I wrote for PTontheNet on marketing ideas you could start in 2014!
THE BUSINESS OF PERSONAL TRAINING SYSTEM
[youtube]http://youtu.be/qMF5WnXM694[/youtube]
Hey did you know that I wrote the ONLY complete training business system designed to help you run a million dollar personal training business?! You can have this same business system that will help you work SMARTER and generate HUGE profits like we do here at Northwest Personal Training.
The fee to purchase the Business of Personal Training System can be made up within 1 month of increased PT sales and there are NO recurring franchise or licensing fees.
A comparable business system in other industries would require an initial investment of tens of thousands of dollars.
DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL! Let us give YOU the systems that we know will work.
Want to win a FREE license to the Business of Personal Training System? Check out this fundraiser/contest that we are running right now. We have NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE! Win the Business of Personal Training System and 1 Year FREE to our PT Profits Mastermind Group. That is a $3000 value. Go HERE to learn more!
Also, sign up right here on my blog to receive my FREE 20 min streaming video where I reveal my top 5 revenue generating secrets. This video WILL help you bring in more clients and more revenue. Don’t miss it!
