Once winter is over we think we’re home free when it comes to catching a cold or the flu, but nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, cold and flu bugs are still around even in the spring. If you’re feeling under the weather, exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing – and it’s true that when your body’s already under a lot of stress, making it do more work isn’t always a good idea. But in some cases, light to moderate activity may actually help you feel better!
Your best options are walking or jogging to help clear your head, no pun intended! Running is a natural decongestant; it can help clear your sinuses and make you feel normal again.
The body releases the stress hormone cortisol while it’s fighting infections like the common cold, and research suggests that stress-relieving techniques, such as yoga and breathing exercises, may help boost immunity, so get yourself to a yoga class . OMMMMMM! Hold off on endurance activities though. Regular exercise stimulates the immune system and helps keep us healthy, but too much exercise at a high intensity can have the opposite effect.
Your strength and performance will diminish while you’re battling a cold—especially if you’ve missed out on a few zzzz’s from a restless night’s sleep—putting you at an increased risk for injury while trying to lift heavy weights. Plus, the muscle strain required to lift weights can cause sinus pressure and headaches…not a good combination. So pump vitamins and Emergen-C not iron ?
You know we love to see you here at Big Sky, but the experts say you should stay home if you have a fever, stomach symptoms or the flu. If you’re wiped out with fatigue, there’s no reason to work out. Rest allows your immune system to recover. So get to bed early and get some extra sleep, drink plenty of fluids (no alcohol), take some over-the-counter cold and flu medicine or some ibuprofen as you recover. Taking care of yourself this way ensures that we’ll see you back at Big Sky soon!!
Always remember… Better Gyms, Better Workouts, Better RESULTS !
To try our 10-Day FREE Personal Training Experience, click HERE!
