I had a bit of a setback in my training program earlier this month.
My husband came back from a training course in Tennessee and brought me back a fun t-shirt from the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. The next day, he wasn’t feeling well and discovered he also toted home something else from his trip: COVID.
I developed symptoms two days later. What would this mean for my job? (Nothing. Entrepreneurs don’t get sick days.) Worse: what would this mean for my MOB Bootcamp training?
Most medical experts will tell you that it’s okay to exercise when your symptoms are above your neck (a runny nose, a sore throat) but to put the brakes on if your symptoms move to your chest (congestion, a bad cough, upset stomach, etc) or a fever. Since I had virtually all of those symptoms, I had to put the brakes on training for the next five days.
In previous years, I would have settled into an illness like this with Kleenex, NeoCitran, the TV remote and as many snacks as I could fit on the couch while I waited for the virus to run its course. This time, I was surprised to discover I missed my morning workouts almost immediately. Three months in, I’d settled into a routine and now something was missing. I began to worry I would lose the progress I had made. The little muscles I’ve been sweating to build would disappear. The weight I’d lost would come back.
Coach Leanne helped ease those fears. “The progress you made didn’t happen overnight—and it won’t disappear overnight either.” She prescribed rest and fluids plus a family standby: chicken soup.
I think my customized nutrition plan from TEAM IRON elles — a careful mix of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and some select vitamin supplements — played a big role in my recovery. Protein and essential fatty acids are building blocks for your immune system. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants to help protect cells from damage. Probiotics build a healthy gut microbiome and are linked to stronger immunity. Vitamins such as A,C,D,E and minerals like zinc and selenium are vital for immune function and antibody production.
My regular exercise program was also a big factor in helping me bounce back quickly.
In fact, new research shows regular exercise may actually improve your immune system and help you experience fewer COVID symptoms by increasing the number of while blood cells, including T-cells that are crucial for fighting off infection. Moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk or bike ride can reduce your risk of catching a cold. It can also help to clear congestion and boost energy levels.
By day 7, I was back to brisk walks with the dogs every day. By day 10, I did a 2K run around my neighbourhood. It’s now two weeks later and I’m back to full workouts. I still have a bit of congestion and a cough, but it’s not enough to deter me from normal life.
This won’t be the last time I catch a cold or the flu. Getting sick is inevitable (unless you live in a bubble.) But I now know there’s a lot I can do right here at home to boost my immunity and live a healthier life. Bootcamp will wrap up in July. The lessons I’ve learned from it will hopefully last a lifetime.
Until next time,
Michelle
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