E119 - Fitness Makes You Sick

In this episode I discuss the dilemma / decision regarding training when unwell and or injured.

Throughout our fitness journeys we are predisposed to a multitude of ailments, through poor technique in the gym, contact sports, overtraining, inadequate nutrition, sleep deprivation and even poor genetics.

Coupled with respiratory illness, musculoskeletal disfunction, hereditary disease and self abuse, by way of alcohol consumption or narcotic dependency, we are bombarded with unwanted aches, pains and symptoms, which left unchecked can give rise to chronic fatigue syndrome, when also playing sports or fitness training.

But....all is not lost, as there is usually an alternative route or approach to continuing with your training.

Example - You have tennis or golfers elbow, with long term moderate pain to acute severe pain, whereby it's easy to concede and stop exercising, thinking the rest will speed up recovery. Now you're in a rut of exercise avoidance and possibly gaining weight / body fat, as you continue to consume your normal calorific intake, whilst missing workouts.

Solution - Train your legs, abdominals and lungs, with running, swimming, walking, hiking. You can also still hit the gym, allowing for neutral grip during pulling movements for back are rear shoulder strength exercises.

Try using lighter weights with higher repetitions instead, until your elbow / forearm pain is reduced by at least 75%, with time and remedial treatments.

Should you fall victim to cold or flu, my advice is light exercise and complete bed rest respectively.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not to be taken lightly, as it can take months to fully recover, with not only musculoskeletal issues, but also jeopardized immune and or nervous systems.

Look for early warning signs, such as erratic sleep, over eating, under eating, emotional imbalance, lowered libido (sex drive), poor decision making and of course poor results in the gym or sports field.

Take five to seven days off from weight training every eight weeks, but still continue with short walks, quality sleep and nutrition.

Go back to training feeling more refreshed and possibly less strain on your muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Amazon.

Thanks for listening.