Many of us may find it difficult to believe it, but there are people with flesh and blood who do
not make any excuses to avoid exercising. I certainly wish I was in this unique category.
These exercise addicts and some professional athletes who think missing an exercise session will
spell doom to their dreams will call you at the first glim of light to find out if it’s okay for them
to exercise.
Exercise is “medicine” but do you have to pop this “pill” at all times? Let us explore this
together.
My rule of thumb is; exercise should make you better so avoid if it will worsen your state. Also
if you have an illness that could be infective such as a common cold kindly do others a favour
and exercise outdoors.
We are aware that moderate intensity exercise increases ones immunity and helps ward off viral
illnesses including the common cold but once you have the infection I doubt that spending a
lifetime in the gym or outdoors jogging will make a difference. Sometimes what you need is
some rest instead of puffing, sneezing, coughing and barely being able to drag oneself through an
exercise session.
Dominique Groom in her article does a great job of summarizing instances where one may go
ahead and exercise as well as those that are a total no go area and I refer to a number of them
here.
- SAFE to work out
a. When symptoms are above the neck such as sneezing, sore throat, runny nose,
tearing eyes, itching throat and ears - NOT safe to work out
a. Symptoms below the neck such as severe chest pain, chest pain associated with
breathing, coughing, body aches, shallow breaths, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever,
malaria etc. - DEFINITELY AVOID working out
a. An acute asthmatic attack is definitely no time to flex your muscles or put your
heart and lungs in overdrive.
b. Finally DO NOT exercise if your healthcare professional asks you to take time off
based on your health condition.
Whenever in doubt ask a professional whether it’s safe to exercise.
ALWAYS REMEMBER that “exercise was made for man and not man for exercise.” You have
to stay safe to be able to exercise. Sometimes taking a short break will help you heal faster so
that you can return to your “addiction” sooner.
Now to my friends who are always looking for a new innovative Exercise Excuse, let us do
ourselves a favour and spend more time exercising instead of being at peace with our beds or
couch.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND
REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood
pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/ Mobissel
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness
nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The
Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – “For heart health you need to relax and have fun as well; schedule time
for leisure, laugh often, learn to breathe deeply and maybe get a pet.”
References:
ISSA Newsletter; “Should your client exercise while sick?” by Dominique Groom.
Certified ISSA Trainer.
- Join me and the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel Healthy Lifestyle Team on Saturday 29 th July 2023 and
the last Saturday of every month at 6am prompt to exercise and share ideas on staying healthy.
Read also: Is any exercise excuse worth its weight in salt?
