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I've found that with a chronic illness I have so long as I can physically do the workout over all my health improves and I heal faster. Also I find normally, even though the illness is draining energy, for some reason while lifting almost all the energy for lifting is still there.

So what is Poal's opinion? Should you workout / keep your normal active schedule as much as possible while sick so long as you aren't severely ill, or just sit there, miss meals etc?

I've found that with a chronic illness I have so long as I can physically do the workout over all my health improves and I heal faster. Also I find normally, even though the illness is draining energy, for some reason while lifting almost all the energy for lifting is still there. So what is Poal's opinion? Should you workout / keep your normal active schedule as much as possible while sick so long as you aren't severely ill, or just sit there, miss meals etc?

(post is archived)

[–] • 6 pts

Listen to your body, but I wouldn't push anything. For the most part I would think your body needs that energy to heal, not exert itself.

[–] • 1 pt

I agree but in one case I defeated a flu that I could tell would have kept me down for a week or two. I have a history with respiratory illnesses and recognized this as a flu with a slow start, so while it was in the early lung butter phase before major fever began I committed to cardio. The goal was twofold: to exercise my lungs and dislodge mucus and ramp my temperature up, I suspect the hours of post exercise metabolic boost also helped my immune system.

I started slow so as not to pass out in the case I had underestimated the infection. I took some guaifenesin (a small dose of a liquid expectorant) and walked the road for a bit, hacked up some mucous and upped the pace, I repeated this process for three days and on the fourth awoke with no lung butter. I don't normally espouse jogging but I did a lot if cardio at that pace on those 3 days, days 2 and 3 I ran, and day 3 I did sprints.

I don't recommend a hard anaerobic exercise while fighting an illness, especially a respiratory one.

[–] • 4 pts

I like to wait until I'm on the mend.

I don't mind going out for a walk in a beach or a nice trail when I'm still very sick, but not any real exercise.

When I'm through the worst of it jogging or something like that seems to makes me get back to normal quicker.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

I think working out and continuing your normal routine as best as possible kicks the nest of energy production going and flowing.

I also do other two things that seem to have very great result that normally wouldn't be considered "the chicken noddle soup approach". I make sure to eat my regular diet / schedule (but the healthiest most energy giving items known) to the point of near puking if needed. And if I have a fever I put a beanie on. It takes the headache away and probably lowers the fever.

The reason I believe that works, is because your body is intentionally trying to raise the temperature of the mind. If you put a beanie on or blanket, you make it easier to do that so it tries less harder.

It's like that of the sweat reaction. If you're outside in the heat, your body sweats with a lot of effort to cool itself down. But if you're in the cold and exert a lot of effort, it won't even bother sweating.

[–] [deleted] • 4 pts

Ideally you shouldn't "miss meals" but maintain a healthy calorie intake that's dense with highly nutritive foods. Many chronically ill people have a higher kcal need because the body is in a state of continuous breakdown; viz., whatever illness one is dealing with such as congenital heart or lung disease or any autoimmune disease.

Working out while chronically ill is I dare say a must in the sense you optimize your health through exercise, as well as boost your overall mental well being. I suspect the chronic illness will dictate the level and type of exercise one can do to achieve relative wellness. Don' t be the illness. Be you who just so happens to have "x".

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

Probably best to at least dial it back a bit on intensity when sick , imho

[–] • 2 pts

You need to find a shaman to stomp on your balls. That forces the negative energy out of the body. You're welcome.

[–] • 2 pts (edited )

I’ve wondered the same thing but I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s best to rest. Either way, Ive found it’s better to take a two week break from the gym once in a while anyway to let your body fully recover. I just went to two different weddings in a row and when I got back I was lifting like 10-20 pounds heavier on everything just because my body got to fully recover those two weeks

[–] • 2 pts

I think for most people, for most illnesses like the cold just resting is probably 'best'. For most people they'll heal in a good timely manner either way.

For me I've got a separate chronic illness and take immune suppressants so I have to be aggressive with any illness I do get. And I have to do the scientific study to see what really works or doesn't or makes it worse.

[–] • 2 pts

Your body heals best when your immune system has reserves of energy. The way to get that is plenty of food and lots of sleep. Also, stay warm, and don't stress your body with exercise.

[–] • 0 pt

I would replace 'exercise' with 'activity'. Do light chores etx. And yes sleep is king, especially when fighting illness.

[–] • 2 pts

In the thick of it, I sleep as much as I can. Still maintain my normal work schedule, as the world doesn't wait for me to heal.

As I make my recovery, I still take things relatively easy, but I make it a point to job from point A to point B. Force myself to breathe, pushes me to cough more anr clean house.

[–] • 1 pt

Good. Testosterone improves the immune system greatly.

[–] • 1 pt

what illness is it?

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

I got a cold. Last night I stayed up 2 hours between 2am-4am. Worst seemed to be last night.

Light fever, chronic fatigue today. Did this workout -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MoGxae-zyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pLT-olgUJs

First workout was probably a mistake for a light fever. Lots of running in place. Second no issues. Was all core work.

Overall feel better. Throat feels like I took a run outside in the cold.

My guess after I work up an appetite, eat and get a full night sleep I'll be feeling like a whole lot more bucks tomorrow.

[–] • 2 pts

stop exercising until you feel better, double dose vit c, and eat properly.

[–] • 1 pt

If I have a fever I take the day off. If not I follow schedule.

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