In Sickness and In Health

On Friday night I finally succumbed to the sinus infection my wife has been suffering from for the past week.  We both spent the weekend in bed which was surprisingly fun.  We ate healthy food, slept when we wanted, read and studied Spanish.  And I didn't train and climb on Saturday and there was no hike on Sunday.  For the first time in my life I enjoyed doing nothing physical other than activities of daily living.

It always bothers me when people come into the gym sick.  The benefits of exercising when ill are debatable and of course any possible benefit depends on what the person is suffering from and to what degree.  Aside from personal considerations a gym is a community and as a member of a micro society it is irresponsible to put yourself and your contagion in an environment where other people are particularly susceptible to catching your bug.  We share the same equipment, sweat and air space, which is often close, and people are breathing deeply.

It is not a sign of strength to show up sick.  People have to make a living and ideally one should not go to work with a cold but often you haven't a choice.  Attendance at the gym, however, is not mandatory.  Sometimes it feels good to engage in a moderate workout when you feel crappy but you can do that at home.  Stretching is great when you are sick: it activates the lymph system, it doesn't require a lot of space and chances are you don't do enough of it when you are healthy, so indulge yourself.

Doing nothing but resting and eating well is underrated.  Your body is not going to lose strength if you don't work out for two or three days but it is certainly going to benefit from rest and you will likely come back to your routine sooner and with renewed vigor if you let yourself heal.       

Here are some general guidelines when it comes to exercise and colds/flu symptoms:

Don't get sick - wash your hands often, exercise 30 minutes per day three to four days a week to boost your T-cell levels (frequent 90 minute workouts can lower them.)
If you have a fever above 101, have bronchial tightness, achy joints (symptoms below the neck) - don't exercise.  If however you have sniffles and congestion (symptoms north of your neck) - exercise with caution (at home.)

Winter is coming which means we will spend more of our time in close quarters with our gym buddies and coworkers, so if you have a cold avoid the gym.