sick and working out :(

sarahlm619

I just need to vent/have a sob moment for myself...

I'm not super sick -- it's just a sinus infection (I get them all the time in the winter -- in fact, it's shocking I haven't had more this winter.)  I was really getting into working out and I feel like workouts are a million times tougher!  I just did zumba last night and I could hardly breathe -- and I was SORE -- not just a little sore -- sore to the point I didn't even want to move...it's not normally like that for me...

Is it normal to feel more pain/soreness/etc when you're sick after a workout?  I mean -- a runny nose is one thing -- but this was pain!

J&K10910

I don't know the medical/biological reasons behind it, but I've found the same thing.  To me, it makes sense because when you're sick your body is busy fighting your illness and probably not able to work as hard at healing and recovering from your workouts.  Plus you're weaker usually so you need to work harder to keep up your normal activity level/workouts.

But I just made up based on what makes sense in my head, so I don't know if that's the actual reason.

mbody

^ That all makes sense. Your body is already working overtime to help you recover. I'll usually take a day off from working out so I can get back to normal quicker. Plus, I think that the gym is swarming with germs so that can't help.

Lobsters25

Yup, probably because your body is having a more difficult time getting the same amount of oxygen, so it's actually working harder.  Just don't push yourself too hard, and feel better!

steph4nu

I just got over a sinus infection.  I found it best to give myself a few days off of working out while my body was getting over it.  When I worked out with the sickness, I felt 100 times worse and felt like the sickness was never going to go away.  The best thing you can do is give yourself two or three days off, and then get in to see the doctor to get medicine.  Your body will love you for it. 

saacjw

I might be in the minority, but I always feel better when I'm sick if I get hot and sweat when I work out. I tend to go lighter, and might spend time in the sauna at the gym, but sweating almost always helps me. 

Jaridds68

You should really give your body a break when you're sick - whether it means cutting down the intensity or skipping workouts. Continuing to work out at high intensity while you're sick doesn't give your body the proper fighting chance to get better, and you can end up being sicker for longer. And yes, you can feel more sore after a workout while you're sick. Hopefully it's just a sinus infection that will go away soon, but maybe you're getting a cold and that's why you were extra sore?