Training after illness, how soon?

So you've been ill, maybe the flu, maybe something more serious but you want to train again. So just who do you transit back to training after illness? Do you go straight back to training at full speed or take it easy the first few exercises?

Firstly I think its important to say that if we are talking about surgery or a major illness then you should always refer to your GP/Specialist for advice as to to when you can start again, if we are talking about something that has lasted say a week or less then our policy on training when sick is simply "don't" and while some of this is related to health and speedy recovery mostly I do not want one person's illness to be transmitted to everyone else. I say keep it to yourself.

Training frequency is important so, depending on the type of illness, continuing to train while sick may lengthen the recovery time, which ultimately reduces training frequency.

Why add to the body's stress by training when sick? Most of us could stand to take some time off anyway so "enjoy" the down time. Make use of it by learning something, if possible.

If you do get sick (say flu) then once cured, return to training gradually. There may be some mucus remaining in the lungs that limits top-end performance. There may be some stiffness due to a lack of movement.

When you view your training and development over a long enough time-line there is no need to get right back into full speed training (unless there is a time limit established by an important upcoming competition or similar). For most of us step-by-step is best. Your body will tell you what it needs.

#sisu #sisuracing #sisutri

#Recovery #Training