We’re in the last month of winter and boy, does it feel like it! Between the short and dark days, the political climate, the bitter cold and the extreme sicknesses that have been going around, this winter has been a tough one. Sometimes getting sick or going into a mental funk can really make us a step back from exercise and make it hard to jump back in to routine, but I’m here to provide some guidance and motivation to move healthfully through these last weeks of winter.

I’m feeling sick, when is it ok to work out?

For this question, Andrew Huberman has some great guidance on his podcast, The Huberman Lab. His episode on when to work out advises that if you're experiencing symptoms “above the neck” like a cold, then light exercise may even be a good thing for the immune system. But, if symptoms are “below the neck,” like chest congestion or body aches, it's best to rest and avoid strenuous activity. Doing intense workouts when you’re “below the neck” sick can deplete your immune system and prolong illness.

Check out THE HUBERMAN LAB podcast on training when you’re sick.

Does Pilates count as strenuous exercise?

For the most part, no. You can make Pilates more strenuous by increasing the consecutive number of full body exercises like planks, squats, lunges, etc…that increase your heart rate, but for the most part, our classes are gentle enough to do while you’re “above the neck” sick.

Check out the I WANT TO FEEL RESTORED collection for slower-paced classes to nurse you back to health.

No matter whether you’re mentally or physically feeling down, typically a little bit of movement will make you feel better on the other side. And remember, something is better than nothing, so take even 10 mins to gently move your body and you might surprise yourself and be happy you made it!