Training while sick?

[XCarl]

Hello everyone,

I've had an irritating cold for the past month or maybe even longer that doesn't seem to go away (coughing, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, the works). It's there one week and not the next. My question is: is it better to simply keep training and ride it out or to take time away from the gym and let it calm down. It kills me to stop training because I'm just now getting in the flow of the off-season training and I hate to take time off. Thank you for all your help and I look forward to reading your replies.

Carl

[Chris Helwig]

Hi Carl,

That is a tough enough question. There are pluses and minuses to training through a cold. Seeing as we still have a long time until the season in April I would recommend talking 4-5 days off completely to get rid of the cold all together. Get lots of rest, ideally 10 hours a night of sleep plus naps if possible. Sleep is very powerful for recovery. Drink lots of fluids, especially orange juice. You could also take some extra Vitamin C, 1000 mg a day may help.

I hope this is usefull. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Chris

[XCarl]

Hello Chris,

Thank you very much for the tips, I will take a few days off and if I happen to make my way to the gym it will only be for some easy spin bike or easy weight training. Sleep, fluids and Vitamin C will also be on my list of priorities. Thanks again, it is greatly appreciated.

Carl