Tag: exercising after illness

How to Return to Exercising after an Illness

by crossfitmomm, posted in Fitness

Over the weekend, I got food poisoning. Luckily, it didn’t last that long. However, I lost all my energy and overall felt like I was hungover. Yet, I wanted to return to training as soon as possible. In the past, I have been sick as well and getting back to exercising when you’re not feeling 100 percent is tough. Here are some tips to help you return to exercise after you’ve been ill.

Tips for Exercising after You’ve Been Sick

  • Take it slow. Don’t go all out to crush a workout (especially a CrossFit workout) after you’ve been sick. It’s okay to return to exercise not quite 100 percent, but don’t push your body to its limits. You open yourself up to injury and a longer recovery period from your illness if you do.
  • Drink more than usual during a workout. Stop at logical breaks or at least every two minutes and take a sip of water. Your body needs extra nourishment as it’s trying to fuel your body and recover from an illness.Image result for picture person in bed sick
  • Recovery after the workout is key. Drink your protein shake and recovery drink immediately after you’re finished and don’t cut the dosage. Your body will need all those electrolytes.
  • Listen to your body. I say this a lot, but it’s true. Over the next several days, your body will let you know when it’s ready to be pushed and return to your normal level of exercise. This is different for everyone who has different levels of fitness and a different degree of sickness. Food poisoning is quite different than pneumonia.
  • Be smart. Fitness will always be there. Recover and then hit it hard. Injuring yourself is just not worth it. If your body needs rest, then rest as hard as it is. You’ll be the stronger for it if you do.

Illnesses are a part of life. Luckily, as our immune systems get older, they aren’t a big part of our life. When you’re active and you get sick, take a break. Let your body concentrate on recovery and not performance. Use the time to catch up on a book you want to read or a TV series you want to watch. The mental break can be just as good for you as the physical break. Feel better soon!