When can you still exercise lightly?
According to Ms. Kristina Herndon, a registered nurse and author of an article published on the verywell health website, exercising when sick depends largely on the symptoms and energy level of the body. A principle that is often mentioned is checking the past. If symptoms only appear in the neck area such as nasal congestion, sneezing, mild nasal congestion and the patient still feels strong enough, light activities such as slow walking, relaxation yoga or stretching can be acceptable.
Light-end exercise in the case of a common cold can help improve your spirit and increase blood circulation, as long as the practitioner does not force the body to push it beyond the limit, says Dr. Michael Menna, a family medicine expert in the United States. However, the intensity of your exercise should be significantly reduced compared to normal days and should be stopped immediately if you feel dizzy or have difficulty breathing.
In the family context, choosing light exercise also helps prevent spreading disease to others, especially young children and the elderly, who are more resistant.
Cases where you should take a full break
Experts agree that fever is a clear sign that the body needs rest. Medical research shows that exercising hard during a fever can increase the risk of dehydration, push the body temperature to dangerous levels and prolong recovery time. When you have a fever, it is best to stay home, rest and focus on treatment, Dr. Michael Menna emphasizes.
Similarly, a lot of coughing, coughing with phlegm, fatigue or whole body pain are signs that the body is struggling with the disease. Continuing to exercise in this condition not only makes the disease worse but also increases the risk of injury and infection to people around, especially in public spaces such as the gym or sports field.
For people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, experts recommend consulting a doctor before exercising during the acute stage.