Still Sick

So I haven’t trained a whole week now and man do I feel terrible I hate not being able to train. This flu virus is really a frustrating thing so hopefully I will be able to do some training on the weekend and then get back to the thick of Things as soon as possible I awake without anyone’s help at 4:30 every morning and hopefully I will be able to train soon again but here I have some tips to stay healthy and away from the illness

While it is still unknown why the cold and flu season generally comes during the winter months, it is known that you have to let the virus into your system in order for it to affect you. Therefore, it is only logical that we implement a two-fold prevention approach:

1. Prevent the virus from infiltrating your system. Keeping in mind that cold viruses spread by human contact, that they get into your system through the mouth, eyes and nose, and that they can remain active for up to three hours, you can accomplish this by doing the following:

· Keep your hands away from your face

· Wash your hands with anti bacterial soap frequently throughout the day (especially as soon as you finish your workout at the gym).

2. Maintain immune system operation at peak efficiency levels at all times. Remembering that excessive exercise, a bad diet, and losing sleep are all catabolic activities, do the following:

· Avoid overtraining by using the principles advocated in the Characteristics of Good Weight Training Routines article.

· Maintain a balanced diet as described in the Nutrition Basics article and avoid processed foods that contain high levels of saturated fats, refined flours or sugar since these types of foods lower the immune system function.

· Get a healthy dose of sleep a day (anywhere from 7 to 9 hours depending on your individual requirements).

So remember, stay healthy by following the tips above, and if you get sick, then “don’t beat a tired horse” as former Mr. Olympia Lee Haney used to say. Rest until you get better! If you don't you will end up more seriously ill and this will take you out of the gym for a longer period of time.