What Reasons are There not to Exercise?

Childbirth, Injury, Illness and Alcohol can Make Exercising Unsafe

Feb 14, 2009 Sharon Kirby

Good reasons not to exercise due to safety include very soon after childbirth, during illness, while recovering from injury, and when under the influence of alcohol.

Regular exercise is required for good health, and can help prevent certain diseases, such as coronary heart disease. Many people enjoy a structured exercise programme, but there are some reasons why exercise is not a good idea because it could do more harm than good. Exercising too soon after giving birth, when suffering from illness or injury, or when intoxicated, can be unsafe.

Exercising too Soon After Childbirth

A new mother may be anxious to start exercising after childbirth in order to shape up and lose the post-pregnancy tummy. However, her body has been through an ordeal, it is still healing and needs sufficient time to recover. It is simply not realistic to give birth and set off down the gym the next week (despite what some celebrities might say)!

Beginning a fitness regime too soon after giving birth can delay the body’s recovery, and increase the risk of injury. General advice is to wait around 6 weeks after a natural birth, and 12 weeks after a caesarean birth before easing slowly back into exercise.

Exercising During Illness

If symptoms are above the neck, for example sneezing, a blocked up nose, the sniffles and a bit of a sore throat, it is generally acceptable to exercise with caution at a reduced intensity. If symptoms are below the neck, such as bad coughing, stomach upset, fever, extreme tiredness, aches and pains, and nausea, then exercise is not advisable.

Exercising will place additional strain on the body, weaken it further and may delay the time it takes to get better. If feeling woozy and not completely alert, there is a risk of injury.

Exercising While Recovering from an Injury

With an exercise-related injury, it is wise to see a doctor or sports injury specialist and follow any recommendations. The injured person may be able to adapt his or her fitness regime so it is still possible to exercise while allowing the injury to heal properly.

If regular training continues without seeking advice, the injury may become worse, cause long-term damage, and the injured party may end up being out of action for longer than necessary. If pain is felt anywhere in the body while exercising, the activity should be stopped immediately so as not to risk further injury.

Exercising After Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to lose excessive amounts of water and become dehydrated. It also dilates the blood vessels, increasing heat loss and sweating, which dehydrates the body further still. Energy levels are lowered because blood sugar levels drop, and balance, coordination, speed and reaction time are negatively affected, increasing the risk of injury.

All these effects of alcohol add up to an impaired physical performance. Even drinking the night before exercising can hinder performance. Overall, alcohol consumption before exercise hampers any improvements in fitness and health that would otherwise be gained.

There are many reasons to find the motivation to exercise, such as to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and to avoid the heath effects of obesity, but exercise can be detrimental to health and cause injury if it is unsafe to work out.

Resources:

Millard, A. Reasons not to Exercise. Issues: Staying Fit. 162: 31-32, 2008

The copyright of the article What Reasons are There not to Exercise? in Fitness is owned by Sharon Kirby. Permission to republish What Reasons are There not to Exercise? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sometimes There are Reasons not to Exercise	Mothers Should not Exercise Soon After Childbirth	It is Unwise to Exercise when Feeling Unwell
If Injured, Exercise may Cause Further Injury	Exercising After Drinking Alcohol is a Bad Idea