When Fit Girls Get Sick


My intentions were to progress my fitness routine this week.  Up my weights.  Amp up the cardio.  Maybe try something out of the ordinary.  But, due to another infectious illness, things have taken a bit of a turn.  Apparently I have the immune system of an infant or something, because I just can’t seem to keep the germs from getting to me.  It’s super annoying, but I figure if that’s the worst of my problems, I’m doing pretty good!  

So instead of posting about fitness goals and motivation this week, I’m sharing my priorities (from my humble, completely non-medical perspective of course) when I’m feeling under the weather! 

1.  Take a break from exercise.  You can try to be tough and push through, but in my experience, all that has typically led to is a lot of disgusted stares in the gym and a ferocious case of bronchitis in no time.  It’s ok to take break, especially when you are congested and coughing, and don’t feel bad about it. Instead of going to the gym after work, I go home, make a cup of tea, and rest under a blanket.  Your body needs energy to fight the infection.  

2.  Drink water.  I know I should be doing this every day anyway, it’s especially important to getting an infection out of your body.  I also like adding berry flavored AirBorne to my water.  I swear it gives me energy and temporarily makes symptoms seem less severe.  Hopefully I can keep chugging at this rate post sickness too?? 

3.  Feed your cold.  My mom always says “feed a cold, starve a fever”.  No idea if there is any truth in this, but I do know that it’s important to keep eating in order to keep my immune system fighting.  I do try to pay more attention to portion sizes though, since I’m not exercising to burn it off on these days!

4. Take drugs if you need them.  I’ll never understand the people that won’t go to the doctor or take anything for their ailments.  Hey, if I wanted to go on for months feeling miserable, I guess it’s no big deal, but I’m not one of those people.  I have a life to live and things to do and people to see, not to mention a class full of children who are much more enjoyable to be around when I am healthy.  Drugs work.  They make you feel better and there is nothing shameful about taking them when done so in the way they are prescribed.  Antibiotics are my best friend and I cannot imagine my life without them.  

5.  Make a plan to start again and stick to it. I’ll probably start with lifting again, and add cardio back in once most of the coughing has stopped. I’m still browsing swimsuits, thinking summer, and maintaining confidence that I will be back at it in full force with plenty of time to shape up.  You can do it too!  


What’s your opinion on exercising when you’re sick?  Do you push through or throw in the towel?  
 


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18 comments

  1. I know what you mean!!!! I was doing so good with my workouts, was about to start training for a 10K and then I got sick. I can hardly breathe, for 2 weeks now... I can't wait to get going again.

    Come join my giveaway over on Tattered to Taylored

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    1. Thanks! I know it is so frustrating when you want to work out, but your body just won't let you. Hope you start feeling better soon!

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  2. Nooooo! I hate being sick :-( I hope you get better quick! Xoxo

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  3. Ugh. I'm feel like real crap today, too. I hope you feel better!!

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    1. You too! And crossing my fingers for no snow on Monday!

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  4. I usually spare everyone else and workout at home when I'm sick. If I have a stomach issue though, I usually lay off the exercise entirely. I wouldn't want to puke up a pre-workout protein shake mid-plank lol. I hope you feel better asap!!

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    1. haha I'd say that's a very good decision. I have asthma so I usually have a cough for a while, even if I'm not very sick, and I hate the looks people give me like "why are you here?!" haha

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  5. Found you through the blog hop. I hope you feel better. Our weather here continues to change daily. We've had all 4 seasons in one week, so I know all about fighting off any bugs...hosting a giveaway, hope you come and check it out :)

    http://lifeinthelowcountrysc.blogspot.com

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  6. Okay...this blog of yours is TOO cute!!! I'm in the "over thirty" club and I think we have more fun! Loved looking around your blog. Hope you are starting to feel a little better.

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    1. So happy you like it! I totally agree that the 30's have been my favorite years yet :)

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  7. Being sick is no fun! hope you are feeling better soon!
    I am hosting a linkup today and would love if you would stop by!
    http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/

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  8. I've always been a huge believer in Airborne. If I feel even a hint of sick coming on, I start sucking the stuff down. I also do not work out when I'm sick. Not even a little! lol.

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    1. I agree! I know I've heard mixed things about it, but I really swear that it works!

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  9. It usually depends on what kinda sick I'm feeling, if that makes any sense. But if I'm not too sick and not in any pain, then I try to push through. Emergen-C was my best friend when student teaching and being around sick kids all the time, and I only got sick once. It's a god-sent I tell ya. I hope you're feeling better Michelle!

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