05/14/2019

“Should I exercise when I’m sick?”
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Yes.
And-
No.
And also maybe-
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A question I get asked often by clients is if they should exercise if they feel “under the weather”
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This is probably a question that would auto populate in a Google search with all types of advice. -
And the advice I’m about to give you will probably leave you feeling frustrated because I don’t believe that I can (or google can) answer it for you.
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Why not?
Because this question can only be answered by you and practicing self-awareness of YOUR needs at the time. -
There are times when I feel poorly, and movement helps me feel better-
There are times when I feel poorly, and resting my body is what my body needs.
I get quiet, ask and listen to both.
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In my group fitness classes, I always start off by saying, “you know your body BETTER than I do!
I do have rest breaks throughout - but please, always feel free to take them on your accord.”
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Sometimes my personal training clients cancel when they feel ill, and sometimes they ask me to modify today’s workout so that they can ‘‘move a little”
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I love either choice, because it means my clients are doing what’s best for them-
but I tell them, if movement is what they are craving at the time-
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“Today is not a day to push yourself- today is a day to be compassionate with yourself and not be mad that you may not have the endurance you had last week- you are not feeling 100%- so this makes sense.”
And I’m constantly checking in with them.
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Intuitive movement is different for everyone- and looks different for everyone-
But checking in with yourself, and being self aware of your bodies needs is the most important piece.
So, should you workout when you are sick?
I can’t make that decision for you, and I wouldn’t expect you to make it for me-
My goal is movement over a lifetime, and resting my body when it needs it-fits into that goal.