Training with Bronchitis

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Austin,

I’ve read a lot of different opinions on whether or not to train while sick, and noticed that most of the time, BBM advocates training.
However, you also often hear about the “above the neck” rule.

I started coughing on Sunday, right after my last workout, which gradually worsened until Tuesday.
I am taking over-the-counter medication, but I skipped my workout which was scheduled for Tuesday, hoping that I would feel better on Wednesday (today).

Today I feel a little bit better, but am still couphing (sometimes dry, sometimes with some mucus relief). Now I am trying to figure out whether I can train today (which I would like to), but also don’t want to risk that the infection spreads. At the moment, the coughing and the associated chest/lung/throat discomfort are the only major symptoms (and maybe some general fatigue).

In general, would you recommend staying at home in such case?

Appreciate your opinion.

Best regards

Toby

2

Hi there,

Sorry to hear this. This is most likely to be a viral infection that will resolve on its own. If you are actively coughing quite a bit and train at a public gym, I would probably not go during this time. If you have access to a more private / home gym and feel up for it, training is still reasonable.

3

Many thanks Austin!
Just wanted to make sure I’m not endangering my health (and of course others) by training while I’m not fully recovered.

My chest still feels tight but coughs have become less frequent. It seems like there is still some mucus congesting my bronchi, but otherwise I feel like I can hit the gym again.

4

Some symptoms may take a while to go away, but you aren’t endangering your health by training.

1 Like