Well, we knew we wouldn’t get into this weight loss journey without some outside-induced detours, didn’t we? Blair is down sick - and we think I contaminated her via email. I’ve been sick pretty much since this thing started, but this weekend I was absolutely hammered. Down for the count! My husband had everything to himself yesterday as I lay in bed and made jewelry, watching British movies on my laptop. (ahhhh…) I hate being sick, though. It’s keeping me from exercising! Or is it?
I think one of the reasons I was so ill this weekend is because I exercised despite the onset of a cold. I searched for information on exercising during illness and found this article. It includes a simple test to decide whether you can go on with your workout:
One quick, simple tool for deciding this is the ‘neck check’ developed by Dr. Randy Eichner at the University of Oklahoma. With this system, you simply look at where your symptoms are located.
If they’re above the neck, e.g. headache, sniffles and/or a scratchy throat, it may be OK to keep exercising - but take it very slow. Exercise at about 50% of your usual intensity for the first ten minutes, then stop and see how you feel. If you feel about the same or better than when you started, feel free to continue - gradually raising the intensity. If you feel dizzy, floaty, or in any way worse than you did when you started, however, stop immediately, and give yourself the rest of the day off.
If any of your symptoms are below the neck - fever, coughing, nausea, stomach cramps or aching muscles - it’s better to skip your workout altogether and stay wrapped up in bed. Exercising with any of these symptoms diverts your body’s much-neede resources from where they’re needed to fight off your illness (in effect, you’ve joined in the battle -on the side of the germs!), and may additionally increase your likelihood of injuring yourself.
So there you have it, Blair! No workout for you! And of course, prayers are prescribed, yea humbly requested, for Blair and me as we recuperate. How are the rest of you feeling?
Honestly, miserable.
Both girls have summer colds - green noses and all. I’m apparently fighting a yeast infection, but I’m not getting any relief and am in a LOT of pain. I’ve never had one before (thank you God!) and it hurts to stand, to sit, to do pretty much anything. Prayers are appreciated. I have a call into my doctor since I’m hurting so much and may have to take both girls with me to an appointment later, as well as to my baby’s 6 month well checkup.
Comment by stephanie — August 7, 2006 @ 9:23 am
Uh Oh, I guess swimming should have been out yesterday - eeekkk! I know I felt pretty good at first but later felt much worse.
I’ll have to remember the neck test - thanks for posting this Blest. I hope you’re feeling like yourself again soon.
Steph - I am soooo sorry girl. I don’t think I’ve ever had a yeast infection but I hear they are horrid! ((hugs)) - hope the trip to the doc goes well and pray your kiddos are doing better soon.
Oh man, make this achiness stop! I just took some “non-drowsy” flu meds. Fortunately the kids are being so sweet.
Comment by Blair — August 7, 2006 @ 9:31 am
(((Blair))) praying you get some relief … we’re having a video day here. Mama just isn’t up to lots of game/floor time with the kiddos. I’m only feeling a trifle guilty about all the TV time, but I know I need the relief and my 2 year old needs to rest.
Comment by stephanie — August 7, 2006 @ 9:43 am
Thanks for the pointers. I always wonder what the right thing is to do.
Prayers for everyone who is sick!
Comment by Anita — August 7, 2006 @ 11:19 am