When we get involved in daily sports, breaks during illness are difficult for us. Especially if it's just a slight indisposition and it seems that nothing terrible will happen if we go for a run or look into the gym. Sometimes it's really not scary. Sometimes even useful. And sometimes it can lead to much sadder consequences than a week break.
But there are situations when a long break in classes is very undesirable (for example, before competitions). And it is for such cases that there is a rule «Above the neck ».
Most coaches do not advise playing sports during even mild ailments. But how many people have so many opinions.
The rule is very simple. If your symptoms are above the neck and in a mild form — runny nose or sore throat — then you can practice. With a slight runny nose during sports, the nose ceases to be stuffy. Some particularly desperate people even go for a run with a runny nose (when it has just begun) to disperse the blood and stimulate the immune system. Avid runners say it helps them a lot.
If the symptoms of your cold are below the neck — cough, shortness of breath or upset stomach — it is better to skip classes. Add muscle aches and fever to this list. Not only can you be contagious and the people around you will get sick, so you will also aggravate your condition.
Edward Lasowski, a specialist from the Mayo Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, recommends resuming training after a severe cold and flu only a few weeks after the symptoms of the disease disappear.
Yes, physical exercises help to get rid of nasal congestion for a while and stimulate your immune system. But this does not mean that exercising reduces the duration of a cold. At least so far it has not been proven by any of the clinics that are engaged in such research. I immediately remembered the folk saying — « If you treat a runny nose, it goes away in a week. And if not treated — in seven days ».It is necessary to study at half strength and reduce the duration of classes by half. If during the first 5-10 minutes you feel better, you can slightly increase the load. If you are slightly unwell, it is better to stop training and rest. During intense exercise, your body produces certain hormones that reduce immunity and make you even more susceptible to other infections.
Moreover, with strong physical exertion, a slight cough can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia!
Let me remind you once again that you can only practice if you just have a slight cold or sore throat. And it is even better to consult with your doctor or coach.
This topic is very, very controversial, and I have not yet heard unequivocal answers. Therefore, first of all, you should think with your head and listen to your condition. Not a single competition or a dropped kilogram is worth the deplorable consequences that can follow training in a sick state.
Be healthy!
