Going to the gym when sick

zmeiaspas · 01-11-2008, 04:49 PM

Do you do that?

At the moment I'm getting a flu or something and my nose is leaking, my throat is messed up and I cough but at the same time I didn't loose my appetite and I have the power and energy to lift. Many people advised me not to do that and I decided to take the rest of the week off (which really sux because I just started making some good progress and I feel like shit staying at home instead of going to the gym). I got inspired by binx_19 and now I feel as if I fucked up my entire effort for those 2 weeks.

coronadozx · 01-11-2008, 05:09 PM

i don't go to the gym b/c i don't want to spread the germs, so i do cardio and strength training at home (i.e. push ups, sit ups, curls).

i have to confess too that i don't get sick that often, the last time i was sick was 1997 (had the flu and it sucked). before that, i couldn't remember the last time i got sick.

ZQ8Dude · 01-11-2008, 05:29 PM

Depends on the sickness for me.

The flu = no gym, no working out( i hate it)

common cold= keep going

illness involving my stomach/digestive system = depends day to day

binx_19 · 01-11-2008, 05:40 PM

shitting and puking, i stay home for probably 2 days, anything else i try to force myself to go do something, my theory is that my biggest gains are when i am sick or just not in the mood to do it.

but now that i started a thread that i am hitting every day, i am actually using the site to hold me accountable, i get on here 2-3 times a day, and if i am feeling like staying home after the first time, the second time gets me to the gym.

coronadozx · 01-12-2008, 12:28 PM

damn you for starting this thread and me for contributing ... i've got the worst case of pooh you can imagine ... the gym is open for 2 more house and i don't see me getting well enuff to go work out ...

g34343greg · 01-16-2008, 09:41 PM

i never really thought about spreading germs, not that i really care.

i go everyday when i'm at school, no matter what i feel like. working out usually makes me feel alot better, at least for a little bit. some good cardio helps me clear my sinuses or whatever.

Goin Ape Nutz · 01-16-2008, 10:41 PM

one of the most common places for people to catch something is the gym. that's why most places will ask you to stay home if you are sick.

1quick1 · 01-17-2008, 01:37 AM

The general rule is

Symptoms above the neck (cough, soar throat, stuffy noise) you're good to go

Symptoms below the neck (congestion in the chest, diarrhea, etc) stay home and rest.

Goin Ape Nutz · 01-18-2008, 01:36 AM

um, stuff above the neck can be caused by viral and bacteria infections too... so I'm wondering whose general rule that is.

Not to start an argument, but that just doesn't come across as sound advice at all.

binx_19 · 01-18-2008, 08:33 AM

i am a firm believer of sweating off colds, but if i have the flu which happens during x-mas for me, i have been too busy to hit the gym, so i usually make that time my resting period.

FreakyD · 01-18-2008, 12:08 PM

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD STAY HOME!!!!!

If you insist on going then make sure you wash your hands a few times while you're there. DO NOT use the water fountain and have a towel to sneeze into or catch that rouge snot that likes to sneak up on ya.

I don't really expect folks to stay home all the time but keep this in mind; you are contagious from the time you notice something is wrong then for about 5 days. And it is often airborne.

Any parents like me will tell ya that it's bad enough that we get bugs from our kids (thanks to the bored mommy that just HAS to take her sick kid to a Gymboree class or the play area at the mall) but it's just as bad when we get it from the sick folks at the gym that just HAVE to keep the routine going. You're not going to turn to mush if you miss a few days. Do some pushups, situps, jump some rope, hell bench press your dog at home.

Yeah it was a rant. I know, forgive me. Stay healthy and keep your snot off of the free weights.

binx_19 · 01-18-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreakyD

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD STAY HOME!!!!!

If you insist on going then make sure you wash your hands a few times while you're there. DO NOT use the water fountain and have a towel to sneeze into or catch that rouge snot that likes to sneak up on ya.

I don't really expect folks to stay home all the time but keep this in mind; you are contagious from the time you notice something is wrong then for about 5 days. And it is often airborne.

Any parents like me will tell ya that it's bad enough that we get bugs from our kids (thanks to the bored mommy that just HAS to take her sick kid to a Gymboree class or the play area at the mall) but it's just as bad when we get it from the sick folks at the gym that just HAVE to keep the routine going. You're not going to turn to mush if you miss a few days. Do some pushups, situps, jump some rope, hell bench press your dog at home.

Yeah it was a rant. I know, forgive me. Stay healthy and keep your snot off of the free weights.

you are actually contagious, the day before you know something wrong.

jetblack · 01-19-2008, 01:04 AM

STAY HOME!!!

1. No matter what you WILL spread germs all over the equipment you use (whoever suggested a towel is an idiot). That's just impolite, if nothing else.

2. When you work out, your muscles, as well as other areas, are broken down (this is common fact). To rebuild those muscles, you need nutrition, rest, and a healthy immune system. At least for them to be rebuilt promptly. When you work out (I'm assuming you aren't just a poser), you are making your body peel energy away from the immune system that's fighting sickness to rebuild all of those muscle fibers. This will prolong your sickness, and it will take longer than usual for your muscles to heal.

It's just an overall bad idea. If you don't believe me, ask a qualified doctor or nurse. That said though, if you just have a sniffly nose, or a mildly sore throat (assuming it isn't a symptom of a larger illness), then of course it isn't a big deal.

06six00 · 01-21-2008, 04:40 AM

I would say stay home. I wouldn't worry about the progress you have made. You will retain pretty much everything if you take a few days off. Just keep up on your protein!

binx_19 · 01-21-2008, 05:16 AM

i know from personal experience that when i get a cold or the sniffles, that i get over it sooner when i am busting my ass sweating in some sort of activity, weather it is running on the treadmill or playing basketball.