”How sick is too sick to exercise? When can I resume my workout?”, these questions can haunt anyone who strictly follows an exercise routine. No questions about the health benefits of exercising, however, strenuous exercises while recovering from a serious illness can be hazardous. Returning to exercise after sickness can be strenuous on the body and even intensify the symptoms of a sickness. Overtaxing your body after a prolonged illness can be risky. Your muscles would have been idle for weeks and will get sore a lot quicker. One could risk a muscle sprain or a tear.
Ideally, suffering from a common cold with the usual symptoms of a runny nose, or a sore throat is not a good reason to skip your exercise; instead exercising in this condition can help speed up your recovery. On the contrary, after a week or maybe a month-long of nasty illness, returning to regular exercise regimens can be a challenge. It is a known fact that after a long illness, your cardio-respiratory fitness has drastically diminished and all your body energy is drained fighting the infection and jumping back to routine can do more harm than good. One’s immune system isn’t back to its full strength after fighting off an illness. Routine exercise increases immunity, but overtaxing your body could lead to a drop in immunity for the next 24 hours.
The answer is to Wait. Wait until your symptoms have disappeared. Wait until you have gained enough strength. Wait until your body decides you’re ready for it. For e.g., while recovering from a respiratory illness wait at least 2 weeks after your symptoms have resolved to start your workouts. Avoid working out even when you have a fever. Your body temperature is already high and exercising will not only cause your heart rate to increase but also dehydrate your body. You may also consult your doctor for advice on when you can start your workout and the intensity of workouts.
When you finally do start with your workouts, avoid being too harsh on yourself. Do not try to make up for all your missed days at the gym. Rather start with a workout plan that is of shorter duration and lower intensity. Over-working after a prolonged illness can result in elevated cortisol level which is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive thus preventing the immune system from fighting infections towards repairing muscles and thus making your muscles sore. The depression of your immune system can cause the illness to come back, sometimes stronger than before. Make sure to stop when you feel dizzy or nauseated.
The aim should be to resume your workouts slowly and at the same time learning to listen to your body and in knowing when to stop considering your present health condition. Here are a few tips you can follow to resume your workouts:
Also Read: Does Skipping Reduce Weight? Examining the Facts and Myths
Chest congestion, severe hacking cough, and contagious illnesses warrant doing any exercises especially in the acute phase of illness without medical supervision, resting for at least 2 weeks for a good recovery could be helpful.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
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If you’re running a fever, you should not work out, because the energy needed by your immune system to fight off bacterial infections will be compromised if you exercise. It is advisable to wait for atleast 48 hours after fever subsides before resuming exercising.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
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Follow the above-mentioned healthcare routine to resume your exercise schedule smoothly. Make a complete recovery and there won’t be anything keeping you away from returning to your previous levels of fitness.
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Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Healthy Valentine’s Day
”Your flaws are perfect for the heart that’s meant to love you”- but it is equally important to keep that heart healthy to spend your life together. The month of February marks the start of the celebration for Valentine’s Day. We look for unique ways to spend our time with our loved ones. This Year why not consider ”Valentine’s- the healthy way!”. Love comes in various forms and every kind of it wishes only the best for you. To love someone starts with wishing them great health and if you want to make this Valentine’s Day special for that one person who has not only brought love in your life but also a plethora of happiness but confused about how to go about it, then don’t fret. Here are a few suggestions you can consider:
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy This Valentine’s Day
A non-traditional and healthy gift and plan can show that you truly care and that you have put thought into your partner’s enjoyment, health and happiness. You don’t even have to spend a huge amount of money. Imagine how thrilled they’ll be when you pack them their favorite lunch with a heartfelt note or cook food together. That joy is certainly irreplaceable.
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Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
