Exercise and sickness

Pretty sure I came down with the flu today, just wondering if overtraining could have been the culprit. My routine is weights 3x a week and 30 min. jogging 2x a week, really not that strenuous, but having gotten sick for the second time in the last two months and having adopted this routine about.... two months ago, I couldn't help but make a connection. Could this level of exercise be responsible for a weakened immune system?

It could just be that something's been going around campus and nothing's changed on my part, hope this is the case.

Also, I've heard that getting sick causes you to lose muscle, is this true? I'm not throwing up or anything, trying to eat and drink enough.

Thanks

How much are you sleeping?

Did you just start the school semester up two months ago as well? Could be the added stress in addition to other things.

Most likely no, it's not making you sick, unless it's doing something to severely weaken your body and its defenses.

I know that when I work out and eat right, I just don't get sick... However, after 4 days of heavy drinking and partying last weekend I feel like I'm getting a cold.. Guess what? Some good food, vitamins, and a workout or two, and I am beating this ***** into submission before she can take over my body.

In other words, man the **** up.

^^^yeah I don't think you got the flu from yoga. Its flu season.

Originally Posted by bach

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Pretty sure I came down with the flu today, just wondering if overtraining could have been the culprit. My routine is weights 3x a week and 30 min. jogging 2x a week, really not that strenuous, but having gotten sick for the second time in the last two months and having adopted this routine about.... two months ago, I couldn't help but make a connection. Could this level of exercise be responsible for a weakened immune system? It could just be that something's been going around campus and nothing's changed on my part, hope this is the case. Also, I've heard that getting sick causes you to lose muscle, is this true? I'm not throwing up or anything, trying to eat and drink enough. Thanks
If you have the flu, it is viral and unrelated to working out. If you have some flu-like symptoms, but not the flu, you may be suffering from too much college life (little sleep, poor diet, excess stress, etc.) The duration of a flu (7-10 days) or similar illness will not be long enough to impact muscle mass or strength. NOTE: H1N1 is prevalent on college campus and persons under 25 are at greater risk of complications. If one experiences high fevers or shortness of breath, immediate medical attention could be useful.

The gym is a germy place, so you're more apt to be exposed to viruses/bacteria -- but because of that you're likely to build immunity (like a nurse in a hospital).

Being sick strengthens your immune system. Live with it.

Same here, I always get sick in the 5th week of my 5x5 program. Strenous exercise temporarily depresses the immune system.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/1...oost-immunity/

We're entering the beginning of the traditional flu season AND we have a very unique flu strain circulating. Those two things are more likely the culprit than your routine.

As for overtraining - overtraining can dampen your immune system BUT your routine doesn't look too bad. Do you have a break every three or four days, or do you go five days in a row? Try to do 3 days on and then a day off.

Strenuous exercise can make you a little more susceptible to infection for a short period of time. Being out of shape is far worse though - don't give up on the gym. Eat well, rest ~ 8 hours a day, and wash your hands when you finish up at the gym. Also, try not to rub your eyes or pick anything out of your teeth while you're at the gym - laugh, but I see people do this, and it is a brilliant way to pick up a common viral or bacterial infection.