Monday, December 8, 2008

Thoughts on a Cold

Found on active.com:
Here are some common sense tips for resuming workouts after being sick:

Don't rush it -- make sure you are FULLY recovered before you return to your exercise routines. If you have been sick for over a week, allow a few days of good health to pass before starting up again.

Avoid vigorous cardiovascular activities immediately after recovering from a cold or flu. Increased breathing may irritate and weaken your respiratory system.

Reduce intensity level and duration of your first few workouts after recovering from an illness. Do not attempt to make up for lost time by overdoing it.

Finish medications. Do not restart your exercise workouts until you have finished any prescription medicine or over-the-counter medications. Consult with your doctor if necessary.

Stay inside, especially in cold weather and avoid outdoor cardiovascular exercise. The increased stress on your body will weaken your immune system and lead to a relapse.

Stay warm. Hooded sweaters and fleeces are great for keeping your head and neck protected and your defenses up.

Listen to your body. If you are unusually tired, sense a return of any symptoms or just don't feel "right," ease off from your workouts and rest.

Don't forget your vitamins! Boost the immune system by increasing your vitamin C intake.

Don't panic that you have become out of condition because you weren't able to exercise while you were sick. Your health is much more important at this stage.

5 comments:

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

All EXCELLENT tips! Thank you!

carla said...

it's hard huh? when the exercise has become such a stress reliever to remember all those tips and smarts. I just try and remind myself Ill be sick LOOONGER if I dont.

Miz.

Tom Rooney said...

There is nothing worse than getting over a cold and sweating way before you get on a treadmill. Somewhere in there your body is saying you may not be as well as your mind thinks it is.

Thanks for the tips

Krystal said...

I just got over a cold but still have a bit of sinus pressure. I took the weekend really easy and finally got to the gym yesterday. I’m glad I took it easy. That way when I did get back to the gym I could really get the most of my workout.

The only thing I have to do when taking it easy is make sure I eat a little less but the good high fiver and high vitamin c stuff to help me get over it. - FitnessSurfer

RooBabs said...

Amen, sister. Great tips- thanks for sharing!