[Sportsandrec] Working out sick and body fat tests

[Thornbury, Kelly]

While I've never personally seen it, I have read articles recommending against working out while sick, as it could possibly damage the heart muscle. So, you have all these little nasties (bacteria and/or viruses) swimming around in your blood stream, and when you exercise, the working muscles (including the heart) get extra, extra blood...hence extra extra nasties. The recommendations I have read (this is nowhere near even close to a strong area for me) say to wait until the bug is on its way out (once you at least start feeling better). Also, the body's ability to regulate heat is diminished when you are sick. Maybe limit the sauna time, don't give it up, and take a few days of light workouts at most. If you are looking for gains, working out heavy while sick can do more damage than good. 

A possible plus, you get a fever as the body's attempt to kill the bugs, and relaxing in the sauna may help this process, but don't over do it and drink the fluids. 

As for the body fat test Joe, next time go for the seven site test. The three-site is good, but if you feel your abdomen is a little fluffy and the rest of you is lean, the seven-site test will balance those numbers. 

Now, to return a little ribbing, Joe, 24% is a pretty good number...for a woman. (Ok, I'm done). So, honestly, working those numbers down around 17% would be good for you. Realize that as we get older, our body fat percentages naturally rise, and that makes it harder to get those measurements of our youth. Just a rough estimate here, but a loss of about 16 pounds will get you close to that 17% (provided its all body fat and not muscle or water weight). Do this slowly...make it a 8-12 week (or up to 16 week) goal. 

But, don't be ashamed of those numbers, the average American's body fat is nearly twice that (imagine another 53 pounds on that abdomen), and it is nowhere near being a risk...you are in good shape anyway. 

Oh yeah, 165 pounds, 36 years old, and 12% the last time I was checked...But I would gladly add 12% for an extra 60 pounds of muscle. 

Kel