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Signs that you should not exercise … just yet
Sophia Hage (Courtetsy of Sophia Hage)Physical exercise is healthy
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Sophia Hage (Courtetsy of Sophia Hage)
Physical exercise is healthy. On the other hand, when we are unwell, it is wise to put off exercising just for a little while until our body recovers to at least its minimum fitness level before reengaging in physical activities again.
“Physical exercise adds stress to our heart and lungs, pushing them to function beyond their usual capacity. Around 70 to 90 percent of our blood circulation will go to the extremities — such as to our legs and arms when we are running — while requiring us to get more oxygen supply than we need when we’re inactive,” medical doctor Sophia Hage, who specializes in physical exercise, explains.
“Exercising when you’re unwell means you add stress to an already ongoing physical stress. Thus, when you are unfit, it’s better to put off your exercise regimen,” she continues
Yet, according to Sophia, as a result of peer pressure to attain specific athletic performance targets or to follow a certain schedule, many people neglect signs that they feel in their body and decide to push ahead anyway. This is dangerous as it can cause our immune system to decline further, causing us to get sicker.
“When we are sick, our immune system is battling the viruses or bacteria that have invaded our bodies. The additional stress caused by physical exercise can compromise the system’s work,” Sophia says.
“Thus, you have to understand your own body, to sense whether you are fit enough to exercise or not, and whether you know the measures that you need to take to exercise properly,” she continues.
What are the signs that we need to stop exercising temporarily until our bodies recover?
“First of all, if you’re in recovery from diarrhea, you should stop exercising for a while. When a person suffers from diarrhea, the nutrition absorption of their digestive system slows down a bit, causing the body to lack enough fluid and nutrition to proceed with its activities,” Sophia explains.
Another condition that may require you to skip your exercise schedule is the common cold.
“When you have a cold, your nasal airway passage gets clogged, making it difficult for oxygen to optimally enter your brain, thus keeping you from getting the oxygen you need. This will disrupt your overall physical performance — from motoric coordination to movements,” Sophia says, adding that you will only get sicker after exercising if you are doing it while you have a cold.
Also, even when you are well, do not neglect your due diligence when exercising.
“When you’re exercising, do not forget to drink water once every 10 to 15 minutes,” Sophia says.
“You must also know when you have to pause or even stop exercising altogether,” she adds. What are the red flags?
They include a sense of lightheadedness, dizziness, dry mouth or nausea. “These can be signs that you need to take a break, drink water,” Sophia says. If you feel better after doing these things, you can resume your workout again. If not, better stop and start again another time.
When you start to get muscle cramps, that’s definitely a sign for you to stop.
Again, this advice should by no means replace medical consultations, according to Sophia. “You have to seek medical help when warranted,” she says.
