Do You Take Time Off When You Are Sick?

[BigDave]

I don't get sick often, but I have a nasty sinus infection w/ sore throat. Been getting little sleep, & feel like shit. Have been dragging myself to gym, but obviously workouts are affected & I worry about injury since I am really tired.
Curious what others do when this happens. On week 8ish of cycle (right in the sweet spot), so hate to take time off, but wonder if I might just be better off taking 3 or 4 days, not doing anything strenuous, & focussing on getting well. Thoughts?

 

[MindlessWork]

I take a week off every 3-4 months of steady training, as well after being sick. The body needs some rest periods to recharge repair and recover as training (and sickness) puts stress on the body.

 

[BigDave]

I take a week off every 3-4 months of steady training, as well after being sick. The body needs some rest periods to recharge repair and recover as training (and sickness) puts stress on the body.

I like it. Thanks man. What I was thinking, but part of me just didn't want it to be the right answer. Needed someone else to say it. Thanks

 

[MythotiK]

Last night was my first back after a week off as well, I also believe your body needs a break...I am almost 40 so it needs lots of those

 

[BigDave]

Last night was my first back after a week off as well, I also believe your body needs a break...I am almost 40 so it needs lots of those

I am close to your age @MythotiK. Been going pretty hard last 6 months or so, with maybe 1 5 day break. Gains (strength/size) are actually pretty plateaued right now. Maybe a week off is what I need.

 

[MythotiK]

I am close to your age @MythotiK. Been going pretty hard last 6 months or so, with maybe 1 5 day break. Gains (strength/size) are actually pretty plateaued right now. Maybe a week off is what I need.

I agree, I feel better too...Although I felt it last night, seemed like it was a month off :/

 

[ebkallday]

Im just getting over a fucked up cold. I took nearly a week off and doped up on day and Nyquil. Too boot, Im on graveyard shift at work so it double fucked the energy from me. I needed it. Lost a few pounds from lack of appetite and a little strength. Im a little shaky with my heavy lifts but I feel an energy boost since Ive been back a few days now.
Tis the season!

 

[MindlessWork]

Last night was my first back after a week off as well, I also believe your body needs a break...I am almost 40 so it needs lots of those

I'm 50 and I share this sentiment

 

[Xlgx]

If it's fever or soar throat for sure

 

[BigDave]

Im just getting over a fucked up cold. I took nearly a week off and doped up on day and Nyquil. Too boot, Im on graveyard shift at work so it double fucked the energy from me. I needed it. Lost a few pounds from lack of appetite and a little strength. Im a little shaky with my heavy lifts but I feel an energy boost since Ive been back a few days now.
Tis the season!

I am sold. Heading to Walgreens to buy some Quil and going to sip sip sip myself to sleep. Thanks guys

 

[ebkallday]

I am sold. Heading to Walgreens to buy some Quil and going to sip sip sip myself to sleep. Thanks guys

I only suggest if you are taking any orals (dbol,drol, ect.) discontinue those before beginning your Quil regimen.

 

[BigDave]

I only suggest if you are taking any orals (dbol,drol, ect.) discontinue those before beginning your Quil regimen.

Very good suggestion. Thanks. No orals. I never take anything w/ acetaminophen while on orals.

 

[Burrr]

I came down with some sort of stomach flu on Xmas morning, 2 days of puking my guts out! Went to the gym yesterday, cardio went OK, but my strength was for crap. I put 145 on the bar for BP warmups and was done at 8 reps.
Started thinking how comfortable the bench was and how I could take a nap here instead of doing another set.

 

[MindlessWork]

I came down with some sort of stomach flu on Xmas morning, 2 days of puking my guts out! Went to the gym yesterday, cardio went OK, but my strength was for crap. I put 145 on the bar for BP warmups and was done at 8 reps.
Started thinking how comfortable the bench was and how I could take a nap here instead of doing another set.

Oh that sucks hope you feel better soon. Keep hydrated, that's key for beating the bug.

 

[RThoads]

yes, i take off. I just don't get a good workout if I am ill and I prolong getting better. No point in setting myself back longer. If I just take the time I need to be fully recovered, that is my fastest route to be back in the gym making gains

 

[MindlessWork]

yes, i take off. I just don't get a good workout if I am ill and I prolong getting better. No point in setting myself back longer. If I just take the time I need to be fully recovered, that is my fastest route to be back in the gym making gains

That's the spirit.

No need to add more stress to the body when you are sick AND in the gym training. Not to mention someone catching the bug from you as well and in my experience there are many occasions I have gotten knocked down with the flu that I've most likely caught from someone at the gym.

Moral of the story: stay home if you are sick as you'll do yourself and others a favor

 

[Ozzy619]

Im just getting over a fucked up cold. I took nearly a week off and doped up on day and Nyquil. Too boot, Im on graveyard shift at work so it double fucked the energy from me. I needed it. Lost a few pounds from lack of appetite and a little strength. Im a little shaky with my heavy lifts but I feel an energy boost since Ive been back a few days now.
Tis the season!

I finally got ur username with this post

 

[BigDave]

Thanks for all the advise and well wishes. Taking the time off was the right call. It was the flu. I am still pretty much bed ridden, but think I am finally on the mend. Guess they got the mix wrong with the flu shot this year. Got one back in Oct. I feel week and flabby, but whatever. Will get back into gym next week.

 

[naturalkon]

I wish I had the discipline to take some time off when I'm sick. Because without a doubt time off is the answer. But I just don't feel right if I don't go to the gym. Definitely not the best thing for gains, however it helps my mental stability. Usually just don't push it too much. I usually go a little lighter and just try to get a good pump. I have a cold right now and I trained everyday so far. But there is a big difference between the cold and the flu. Get feeling better.

 

[BigDave]

I wish I had the discipline to take some time off when I'm sick. Because without a doubt time off is the answer. But I just don't feel right if I don't go to the gym. Definitely not the best thing for gains, however it helps my mental stability. Usually just don't push it too much. I usually go a little lighter and just try to get a good pump. I have a cold right now and I trained everyday so far. But there is a big difference between the cold and the flu. Get feeling better.

Thanks Man. I agree with you. The gym calms me down and relaxes me more than anything. Very important for my general wellbeing. Feeling terrible sucks, but worst part is I am going STIR CRAZY!!! I got up and did jumping jacks yesterday until I started hacking up a lung just because I needed to move.