Should I Workout When I'm Sick To Sweat It Out?

Can you really sweat out your cold? Well, the answer is yes, however, it’s really not a good idea to do any weight lifting or heavy exercise when you are not feeling well. Sometimes, it feels really good to just get moving when we aren’t feeling well. However, let’s dispel some myths.

Many years ago, we used to think that lactic acid was the cause of pain in the muscles after exercise. Actually, this is not true. The lactic acid is present in the muscles to help heal them. What actually causes the pain is called micro trauma, or micro tears. This isn’t a bad thing. It’s a good thing, it is how we build muscle.

Have you ever had a manicure and had the edge of your finger get a tiny little cut in it? So, what happens? It swells up, and it is really painful. Well, that is exactly what happens to our muscles. They are tiny, itty bitty little tears in the muscle, and our immune system does a fabulous job by rushing in and repairing it. Our immune system works the best when we are sleeping. So, it's important to rest when we aren't feeling well,

So, it’s sort of a myth that you can get rid of a cold by sweating it out with exercise. You are actually tearing your muscles. So, then, your immune system goes to repair the muscles, instead of the cold. Your immune system is then over taxed, trying to repair the cold, and the torn muscles. Many times, your immune system will attempt to repair the muscles, and let the virus take over until it isn't as taxed.

If you are wanting to get moving, that is a good thing. Take a walk, get moving, but, it is not advised to go and lift heavy weights, or do a highly strenuous workout when we aren’t feeling well. Plus, the others in the room that are sweating it out would probably appreciate the fact that you decided not to share your cold with the rest of the room. If you really want to 'sweat it out', try a hot bath in epsom salt. That's my personal favorite way to 'sweat it out'.