When NOT to exercise
Posted on November 1, 2011 by bob in Moving Free
There are times you should not exercise.
For a week now I’ve been nursing the flu, mostly in bed, and its very frustrating. I can feel the fitness juice draining out of me. Several times I’ve thought of getting out of bed and putting on my sneakers, but each time my body, my lungs and my head have said “Whoa! Maybe this is a bad idea!” So, resting on an elevated pillow, feet up, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that there are times when being physically active can do more harm than good. With nothing else to do, I’m making a list of when not to exercise.
When You Are Sick
If you’ve got a cold and it’s not severe you CAN exercise without making yourself sicker. Your body will probably tell you to back off the intensity and you should listen. So just do a maintenance workout. The Flu, however, is not to be messed with. Influenza kills several thousand people a year. Your body is under siege from a virus and you need to win that battle. Rest. Don’t exercise.
With A Fever
The Flu is often accompanied by a fever because your immune system is fighting off infection. Any time you have a fever you need to be resting to give your body a fighting chance. No exercise.
When You’re Tired
How tired? It you’ve got the fatigue and brain-block that comes from a long day at the office, some moderate exercise after work may help you relax and recharge. But if your body is telling you go home and go to bed, that’s what you need to do.
When A Chronic Condition Flairs Up
Most people with chronic conditions or injuries can exercise with doctor’s permission between flair-ups. But many make the mistake of trying to exercise when their condition is acute.
When your condition flairs up, wait it out. Don’t exercise. It only takes a moment to cause permanent damage. If your flair-up persists, go see your doctor.
Whey You’re Pregnant
Most pregnant women can exercise, but the ability to exercise varies greatly from person to person. Make sure you talk to your doctor about any exercise you’re planning to do.
When You Have Pain
Patient: “Doctor it hurts when I do this.”
Doctor: “Don’t do that!”
It really IS that simple. Pushing through the pain is nonsense even for most professional athletes. If you’ve got pain don’t exercise. See your doctor.
This list is a work-in-progress, and since I’m lying here, I’m sure I can think up some more stuff. How about you? If you’ve got some good reasons not to exercise, send them to me at exercise@movingfree.com.
Mirabai Holland
Mirabai Holland is a leading authority in the Health & Fitness industry, and a public health activist who specializes in preventive and rehabilitative exercise. Her Moving Free® approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn’t feel like work.
