About Me

Thursday, June 10, 2010

exercise and illness

Tonight's post brought to you courtesy of The Fitnessista's bootay kicking butt and back SSU workout (day 3 if you're looking at that page). Yowza, my heinie is going to be in pain tomorrow... so happy :O)  Last week, I tried to do both of her week 2 strength routines, together. Yes I am crazy in case you were wondering. And while it brought great results, it was seriously difficult to make it through 2 sets. Today, I knew very well that my slightly sick body just wouldn't have that so I did just the butt and back (which is per usual on Thursdays). I played it smart and listened to my body and went in this afternoon when my energy was better than this morning.

However, I did a running warm up and was sucking air after running for only 10 minutes. I had intended to do a 5 minute walking warm up and then 15 minutes of HIIT but after 1 interval I was seriously winded. I brought it down to a jog and sucked it up for the next 10 minutes and then walked the last 5. I checked my heart rate monitor, and the numbers were good, definitely nothing high enough to exhaust me. I continued on with my weight workout and everything just felt a lot more difficult. I was getting frustrated but kept pushing through and ended up having a great workout.

I know that my workout was so hard because I'm still not physically 100%. I still have many cold-like symptoms but nothing contagious at this point. I know that being sick just sucked out all of my energy and that I should be patient until it returns, but its so frustrating to attempt a workout that I did just a week before and have it be way more difficult this time. I probably should have listened to my body and lightened up the weights a little but I was so gung-ho about being back in the gym on a regular basis that I just pushed through.

Was I healthy enough for a workout? absolutely. Should I have pushed myself that hard for that long? Probably not. Is it better to stay home or get a good sweat sesh in when you aren't feeling 100%? Truthfully I don't know. I take it on a case by case basis. 2 weeks ago I had a bit of a head cold and managed to sweat it out in the gym (until I lost my voice). This time, I knew that I needed a break to rest up and heal. I've heard people who swear by both methods. I'm trying to listen to my body and let it tell me what it needs but sometimes that is way easier said than done.

2 comments:

  1. Amen, sista! We must be on the same wavelength :)

    A few months ago I was really, really sick and had to take almost 2 weeks off from exercise. It was a difficult thing to do...mostly mentally. But when it comes down to it, when our bodies are ill, they CRAVE rest! Or at least milder forms of exercise. And the thing is, taking a few days of rest will not make a difference in the long run. Sometimes it's difficult to remember that HEALTH trumps exercise! So keep on listening to that body of yours, and I hope you feel better! xoxo

    xoxo Gracie
    http://girlmeetshealth.com

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  2. @Gracie

    I agree about being on the same wavelength, I read your post about exercise vs. sleep this morning and immediately thought I'd found a kindred bloggie spirit :O)

    You're completely right, my struggle with days off is completely mental, my body has already started to bounce back from being sick. Still working on listening to it though! It's great having the e-support of fellow bloggers like you!

    xoxo- Christina

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