When you don't feel like it...

As Henry says in this post from 2018,

This morning I woke up and did not feel like doing my morning cardio at all. Like at all at all. Buuuuut, I had my coffee and did it anyway.... Point being! Get out there and give it a go. It doesn't have to be fast. -Henry Cavill

So, this week I was sick. There is a cold going around and also tons of people getting knocked down with COVID again. I, luckily, had just the cold along with my kiddo... because that's how parenting works.

I just didn't feel like exercising... at all. However, watching my 5 year old still bounce around while feeling sick made me pretty ashamed of myself. So, she and I did yoga together twice this week. Was it amazingly strenuous? No. Was it doing SOMETHING? Yes.

I did actually feel a little better after both sessions, which made me question - should you work out when you're sick?! I was genuinely curious and started doing some research. Here is what I found.

Working Out While Sick

In an article from WebMD, they state:

The answer depends on what ails you, experts tell WebMD. For example, exercising with a cold may be OK, but if you've got a fever, hitting the gym is a definite no-no.

Fever is the limiting factor, says Lewis G. Maharam, MD, a New York City-based sports medicine expert. "The danger is exercising and raising your body temperature internally if you already have a fever, because that can make you even sicker," he tells WebMD. If you have a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, sit this one out.

So that is pretty straight forward. The article continues to mention that you should probably sit it out if your symptoms are below the neck.

In another article from the Mayo Clinic, they agree with the above the neck assessment.

Mild to moderate physical activity is usually OK if you have a common cold and no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

As a general guide for exercise and illness, consider this:

Exercise is usually OK if your signs and symptoms are all "above the neck." These include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and minor sore throat.

Consider reducing the intensity and length of your workout. Instead of going for a run, take a walk, for example.

Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are "below the neck," such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or upset stomach.

Don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.

So, it sounds like the two major medical sites agree that my mild yoga this week with my cold was a-ok.

Good News to Share

In some seriously minor good news this week... I've lost two pounds. While that's not something to scream to the rooftops about, I'm still feeling good about it. I mean...those two pounds could be back tomorrow just with water weight. But I'll take a tiny win where I can get one.

How is your challenge going? See you next week!