Sick Days for Group Fitness Instructors

My current cold was my inspiration for today's post. Historically, I don't have the worlds greatest immune system. Despite an active lifestyle and a nutritious diet and regular medical care...I typically get sick. A lot. Interestingly, the past few months I've had a bit of a dry spell in regards to illness but my flowing sinuses are making up for it the past few days. It's been particularly difficult especially now. For the past few months, a portion of my employment commitments involve leading group fitness classes literally every day of the week. This becomes incredibly tricky to deal with when trying to recuperate from an illness.

I think it's in our DNA as group fitness instructors to have a bit of a "can't stop me, can't hold me back" personality. We are clearly dedicated to movement and probably more prone to pushing through illnesses or aches and pains a little bit more than the average individual. But when do we need to throw in the tissue box and call for reinforcements substitutes? First and foremost, I think it's important to remember that not only are we setting an example for wellness when we are feeling our best, but also at our worst. I would never advise a participant to push through a workout when they are experiencing fever, injury, significantly uncomfortable respiratory systems, or gastrointestinal illness. Likewise, it's pretty irresponsible to show up feeling miserable. Not only does this send the wrong message...but your class, quite frankly, is going to suck. You're cueing will suffer, you'll lack energy, your form will likely suffer, and if you participate in especially intense exercise, your recovery time may be prolonged. I should mention here that for mild illnesses like a slight headache or mild common cold, it's probably a good idea to get moving a little bit since there are also benefits to activity with improved blood flow and boosted immunity. It's a balance really. 

So back to those of us who are instructors staring down a class time and feeling seriously under the weather. Get a substitute. This can be easier said than done. Start fostering strong relationships with your clubs instructor team. You'll need to lean on one another in times of need. Be willing to help them and they'll be willing to help you. It helps that I LOVE to teach so I sub whenever I can, but even if you're only interested in, or your schedule only allows for teaching your own class or two...carve out some time to pitch in and help out. Karma people. 

I'm incredibly lucky to work with an AMAZING group of fitness professionals who go out of their way to help one another out. This week, my illness has been sort of unpredictable. Each day I think I'll be feeling better, I end up feeling worse! It's so hard to make the call to ask for reinforcements. We are dedicated to our class members and know they are expecting us! At our best! But sometimes, trust me, you don't want me up there. It gets to the point though where you're doing yourself no favors in regards to recovery and you're shortchanging your members if you show up miserable. This can be tricky especially if you work for a department that prides themselves on never canceling classes. This is something that should be avoided at all costs! So all the more important to recognize your symptoms early and call on colleagues to back you up. 

All of this being said, here are my big 3 reasons why you should think about and be ok with not stepping on stage:

Your Members Get It - If there is one thing I've learned, it's that most participants are incredibly aware of the fact that we are human. We have things come up. We get sick. We get injured. So do they. I have received far more praise for acting HUMAN as opposed to some psycho group exercise robot. They care about you, they relate to you, and they want you for the long haul. They are forgiving and they want the best for you. And if they don't...then they're that person (amIright?) and you sort of wish they weren't in class anyway...

It Sends the Right Message - As I stated above, what would you advise your participants to do? Push through intense workouts with an already depressed immune system? Risk their form suffering possible furthering or creating and injury? We'd never dream of it...so treat yourself with the same respect. Our go big or go home days are just as important as our I need to lay in bed and rest days.

You'll Recover Quicker - Some general advise that I prescribe to uses the neck as a landmark. If your symptoms are a stuffy nose, watery eyes, or mild headache...then some movement may do you good. Likewise, if you have fever, respiratory illness, body aches, etc., you may want to ease up on the workouts until your symptoms subside. Once you can get your head off the pillow a short walk or some gentle yoga or stretching can make you feel better but I'd leave BodyPump and CrossFit for another day. Working out intensely with an already depressed immune system puts you at greater risk for prolonged illness and potentially further injury.

So, whether you're an instructor, or participant. Know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em when it comes to exercise and illness. You'll be back to powering through that Pump class, Zumba class, or WOD together before you know it!