Should you exercise if you feel unwell?

Gulf Today Report

There may be days when you don’t feel well enough to get a workout in, so should you hold off until you start to feel better?

Experts believe that the answer to this question largely depends on what exactly the problem is. For example, if you have symptoms of the common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion or a minor sore throat, you are okay to exercise. A workout in this case may even help you feel better and may help open your nasal passages. However, it is best to reduce the duration of your exercise. Opt for a walk instead of a run.

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However, if you have a fever or other more severe symptoms, such as chest congestion, a hacking cough, muscle aches, fatigue or an upset stomach, it’s best to take a break from exercising for a few days.

If you have a fever, you also should give your body some time to rest and recover. A fever is your body’s way of telling you to slow down, and it’s important to listen to that. As you recover after these kinds of symptoms, go a bit slower and decrease the intensity of your workout when you return to exercising.

Exercise is important for your body and mind. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in check, increase bone strength and help manage stress, just to name a few benefits.

For healthy adults, the recommendation is 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. That includes activities such as running, biking, jogging, swimming, brisk walking and dancing. Many people break up their weekly aerobic activity into 30-minute sessions, five days a week.

In addition, your exercise routine should include at least two 20- to 30-minute sessions of strength training a week, which many people have a tendency to forget. Remember, too, that even if you don’t get to the recommended level of exercise sometimes, any amount of exercise, even if it’s just 10 minutes of walking, has benefits.

If you work out when you’re having some symptoms of illness, make sure you stay attuned to your body’s need for fluid. Drink to your level of thirst. Be aware that if it’s warm outside, you may need to take in more fluid than usual.