exercise, sleep and colds - YouLookFab Forum

This is a bit OT but we have discussed workout schedules on this forum before...

I am a busy SAHM; many of you are even busier with jobs, commuting and all sorts of other comittments.

Do you prioritize exercise over sleep or vice versa? This is a constant issue with me! (says she writing at 10:55pm when I need an early night!) My good intentions of getting up early (to run etc) are often not realised because I am too tired (daylight saving does not help) Surely getting enough sleep is important?
Yet some of you are up at 5am to workout! You must have to go to bed so early, or survive on little sleep.

Also, with 3 little kids I am frequently in contact with colds. I don't succumb to everything my kids get, and don't get so sick I go to bed often. However I do get a fair few colds, and often feel like I am fighting something off.

What do you do about colds and working out? I usually cut out exercise in the early stages, but sometimes resume if I think there is just a low level of stuff going on for ages.

17 years ago

danielleCT

Active Member

Ahh - finally a subject where i can share my expertise!
The rule of thumb with colds is that if it's above the neck, then you are okay to work out. However, if it's below the neck (cough, congestion, etc), then you should rest and focus on recovery. Of course, my own personal addition to this rule is.. don't bring those germs to the gym if you think you're getting sick!

As far as sleep goes, I'll usually do something even if I've not gotten much sleep. Even if it's only 20 minutes of yoga or a quick jog in the middle of the day. Fortunately, my schedule allows me to work out more than just in the morning, which makes things easier to fit in because it's not a choice between sleep and working out.

My schedule can be flexible because I homeschool. So sometimes I work out in the morning after getting up and feeding the kids (and waiting for the baby's nap time), and sometimes I work out in the afternoon after we've completed all our lessons. There are many times when my workout is cut short because the baby needs me.

We've also had our fair share of colds/cough since Nov. If I feel sick I don't work out. It's hard enough on my body when sick to still care for my 3 little ones which includes nursing the baby.

I'm also prone to plugged ducts and when I have one I don't work out until it's resolved.

It's hard to get a workout in, but every day is a new day.

anne

Veteran

Thanks KH and Danielle!

Christie

My belief has always been if I'm nursing, not sleeping through the night, or sick that I'm off the hook for exercise. Not that exercise isn't good or isn't energizing, but that my body doesn't NEED exercise as much as it needs rest in those situations.

I'm impressed that you are making the time to exercise, even if its not as frequent as you'd like. Good work!

Amanda

Anne -- if find that if I don't get enough sleep, I don't have the energy to exercise. But then again, when I exercise, I sleep better. I am definitely not a morning person -- an early workout for me is at 10 on Saturdays! I find that even if I am tired and don't have energy for a full workout, doing something like stretches or a little bit of yoga or a short walk still makes me feel better physically (because I got some exercise) and mentally (because I don't feel guilty for not exercising). You are running around a lot with kids so you are burning calories. I think that sleep is very important and add what additional exercise you can.

yublocka

(website)

Anne this is a tough issue for me. Over recent months I've learnt that sometimes you need to do the best you can and not beat yourself up too much. No-one can be superwoman forever and not have a nervous breakdown. I used to be into the gym and going every day or running etc. This week I'm working a 78 hour week and the only exercise I've gotten is walking up and down stairs at work. Sunday is my day off and unless I have a miracle burst of energy I plan on being as slovenly as possible - at best a 30 min jog, otherwise a walk along the beach.

But sleep? Never skimp on that. You need it!!! Speaking of which, I need to go get some now!

Eva

Good recommendation Danielle. I agree. I tend to put put exercise over sleep. This means I my only get 5 to 6 hours sleep a few nights a week when I get up early to exercise. (I look forward to the weekend when I hope to get decent hours sleep.) I do this because if I put sleep first, I would never exercise enough.

But this does not apply if I am sick. I will lighten up on the exercise and try to get more sleep. I am a great believer in mind over body. I swear by deep cleansing breaths when you think a cold is coming on. (Breath in deep through the nose and push the air out through the mouth.)

Category