hi, I just asked about how often to work out at the gym on another question, now I'm wondering if you work out when you're sick with the flu?

Even though I've had an awful flu the past four days and have been off work (definitely wasn't fit for work) and still feel terrible, I've been going to the gym most days since it makes me feel a bit better. It might be psychological...

I'm wondering if anyone else does this, or should I really be resting?

frangipanis

putting aside the issue of spreading germs for now, my main reason for asking was to hear what views there are on exercising while sick with the flu ~ walking, jogging, running, using weights, swimming, etc.

What I've been mostly wondering is whether I have been prolonging the flu by not resting as much as I should. The thought that using weights will spread the flu virus further throughout the body is not something I'd heard before. I'm now wondering if it is backed up by any medical evidence.

Thanks again for all the different views on this.

maiwest

You're now alone. I also do go to the gym even if I'm sick. There was a time I went there even if I had the flu. After that, I perspired big time and the next day, the flu was gone.

frangipanis

glad I'm not the only one to have done that, and it seems to have helped rid you of your flu in that instance. Curious how it can sometimes work like that, hey.

lovelesspa

I agree with mass nutrition, give your body the rest it needs. Plus you liable to pass your flu along to others and that's not very cool.

frangipanis

point taken re the general consensus that going to the gym while with the flu is not good for "others", more than it being a question of whether or not it's good for ourselves. Most advice to do with avoiding and passing on the flu is to practice good hygeine, maintain a healthy diet, and rest.