Everyone knows that exercising can help you to stay healthy. One big question that people have is "should I exercise when I don’t feel well?" Here are some simple principles to follow that will help to guide your exercise path.

1.  “Neck-check” – if your symptoms are basically above the neck (runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, etc.), exercise is usually very safe. The key is to cut down on your speed and intensity, and if you start to feel bad, just stop.

2. Below the neck symptoms – fatigue, muscle aches, hacking cough, fever, chills, diarrhea or vomiting. These should key you to holding off and waiting to exercise until you feel better. At best you will feel weak and dehydrated and at worst you will risk severe dehydration, overheating, and heatstroke. When you start back up, start low and increase gradually.

3. Don’t spread the illness – think about how contagious you may be. Is it necessary to exercise and work out if it means giving other people your illness? Practice common sense by making sure you wash your hands often and don’t sneeze or cough on others.

4. Get back into the swing – when you recover from your illness, make sure you start to recover your exercise program. Don’t let your temporary exercise break become a permanent one. Again, start low and increase slowly.

Exercise can be a great way to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong. Common sense can lead you a long way as to when you should or should not exercise when you are not feeling well. If you have any questions, always feel free to call our office and ask your doctor.

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