Above neck/below neck illness rule

[Willo]

Unless really ill, I usually carry on exercising through, say, a cough or cold (and find it often makes me feel better). However, the accepted logic generally stated here and running forums etc. seems to be that above neck is okay but below means you shouldn't exercise. But how do folk on here apply that?

I currently have a bit of a tickly cough and am a little wheezy/phlegmy. As I had banked a long cycle last w'end, that eased my withdrawal symptoms of taking the sensible decision to skip the gym and running so far this week since. However, I'm getting twitchy now and wondering if my caution is a bit OTT.

 

[edindave]

Why push it? I'd have a rest. A week or two off now and then never hurt anyone, whether due to illness or choice.
You're wheezy and phlegmy - why exacerbate it by breathing more (and harder) than you need to? Take it easy.

 

[HLaB]

You'll know how you feel better than anyone Willo and how your system handles such thing but unless you've got some pressing reason to get out, its probably best to ease off for a while.

 

[PK99]

Unless really ill, I usually carry on exercising through, say, a cough or cold (and find it often makes me feel better). However, the accepted logic generally stated here and running forums etc. seems to be that above neck is okay but below means you shouldn't exercise. But how do folk on here apply that?

I currently have a bit of a tickly cough and am a little wheezy/phlegmy. As I had banked a long cycle last w'end, that eased my withdrawal symptoms of taking the sensible decision to skip the gym and running so far this week since. However, I'm getting twitchy now and wondering if my caution is a bit OTT.

I had a tickly cough on monday so dipped out of a scheduled ride, felt almost better on Wednesday so went out and was last up every hill (by a long way) and ached like hell today - I'd have been better off missing another ride to get it out of my system properly

 

[Panter]

Personally, I've found that by keeping on going I seem to be able to hold off most coughs and colds from getting any worse, I think they get beaten into submission

EDIT: I do just mean coughs and colds though, anything flu like will keep me off the bike although I do get back as soon as I possibly can

 

[Glover Fan]

I always take extended rest during illness. As if my body isn't getting enough grief from fighting an illness. I have heard about sweating out a cold etc, but it just doesn't happen.

I know so many people who come back too early after illness and take much longer to get fit again.

 

[amaferanga]

To me it's always pretty obvious when to rest and when to ride. If you are properly ill then the last thing you'll feel like doing is riding. If you're not sure though then a short spin should make it clear.

 

[BSRU]

I carried on commuting through a cold recently, just took it nice and easy.

 

[Hont]

I carried on commuting through a cold recently, just took it nice and easy.

That's the key I think. Stay in zone 1 and 2. Anything too intense is really not advisable.

 

[BSRU]

That's the key I think. Stay in zone 1 and 2. Anything too intense is really not advisable.

It seemed to work, just maintained my distances, stopped looking at the averages and gave myself some extra time for the journey.

 

[Willo]

cheers all. Think I'll be out for a quick spin on Sunday after a week off the gym.

 

[515mm]

It really is bad form to take one's viruses to the gym or cycle club.

Or into work for that matter. You're doing everyone a good turn by staying home and taking extra care over your nutrition.........






Cake anyone?