What Should I Do With My Training If I Feel Ill?

What Should I Do With My Training If I Feel Ill?

Unfortunately with winter socialising the chances of us getting ill or catching colds increase pretty significantly. Speaking from personal experience I have been fighting off a cold (which is currently in the spluttery cough stage!) for a good 10 days or so and you know what, it sucks, but fortunately is on it's way out. But what should you do if you are not feeling well?

1. Listen To Your Body

Getting ill is usually a your body telling you that you need to take a break. Listen to it. In some ways it is the same as being injured, some injuries you can work around, some wipe you out for a period of time. But like an injury, the harder you push it, the more likely it is to get worse or linger around for longer. Weigh up the pro's and con's there. It's better to be out of action for 10 days than it is to be out for a month.

2. Sleep

As we have discussed previously, sleep is our best healing tool. Going to bed earlier, sleeping in a bit later (fitting in a cheeky nap here and there if life allows it), could make all the difference when it comes to recovery time!

3. Eat & Drink Well

When you are feeling rubbish it can be really tempting to increase the amount of junk food you are eating. Do what you can to flip that on its head to get in those extra vitamins and nutrients in (a big old orange, some frozen watermelon, etc). Staying hydrated is also key. If you have a fever you may be sweating more than normal anyway but it's also easy to forget to drink. Don't forget that those nutrients get much more easily transported to where they are needed when you are well hydrated.

4. Lower The Intensity

If you are going to exercise, lower that intensity. Your body is already fighting off something and trying to recover, adding to its job probably isn't wise. Keep it easy if you feel the need to train but no more than keeping the body ticking over and stopping yourself going a bit mad is all you need.

5. Train Alone

This one may be controversial, especially if you live alone because isolation can be a real issue. But stay away from the gym. Whilst gyms are generally clean with people staying apart, you don't want to be the person who makes 10 others ill. This is especially important if you are taking part in team activities. If you do end up in the gym, make sure you consistently wipe down everything you use and try and stay out of crowded areas.

Remember feeling Ill and just not feeling up for it are two different things though!! But if you are genuinely feeling ill taking the time to get better will serve you well in the long run!

Andy