How To Get Back To Fitness After Illness

[@gcn]

What tips do you have for getting back on the bike after illness?

[@lisapet160]

More sleep, more water, less, much less, food. The latter must be with anti inflammatory accent. Heard about good old broth? Science tells, your grandma is right.

[@timwebb6483]

What about after heart surgery? Not joking

[@lisapet160]

@@timwebb6483 This is not a joke. Try to contacting rehabilitation centers. It's a big and still trending topic emerged 5 years or so ago, which includes more exercises than some could think, including indoor cycling. Although under direct supervision of medical personnel. None should try it on her or his own, perceived exertion feeling and HR sensors are not enough and can be mortally misleading.

[@LukasHridesbikes]

@@lisapet160 NOOO, do not reduce your food intake! The body is working hard when fighting an illness

[@ricf9592]

Don't overdo it.

[@garylawrence9347]

Iam just getting back after chemotherapy, it's taken me long time but personally just had to listen to my body & ride to my limits & try not to get frustrated.

[@DankGuy]

Hope you are good!

[@garylawrence9347]

@DankGuy all good thanks

[@clivegower-collins9012]

Great you called out the 'sweat it out'. A few years back a New Zealand mate of mine tried that. He complicated his infection and died in hospital a few days later. He was, before that, as fit as a buck rat, and he was engaged to a lovely lass. We all learned from it. But I'd rather have my riding mate back

[@jemthompson8174]

As a new zealander I can confirm this is a common attitude to many things here

[@brianrichards350]

Under the weather is a great time to do those delayed bike maintenance chores..headset and bb rebuilding and new bar tape. The bike will feel like new again when you go back out.

[@tomm1413]

Just recovered from covid and pneumonia, so this video was very usefull! Thanks GCN for always putting out the content right when I need it!

[@gcn]

That's what we are here for! Keep it up 🙌 Hope you are back on the bike soon!

[@troycollett8540]

I had covid then a chest infection in march and I just had a nasty cold that put me out for 4 weeks 2:57 😊

[@tomm1413]

@@gcn thanks! Hopefully should be getting back on the trainer in a couple of weeks

[@tomm1413]

@@seanbonella not back to back though, there's about a month or so in between the two infections, but I am still recovering from the latter

[@TwistedOnyx369]

Oh no. That sounds terrible. How are you feeling now?

[@timmarshallsay]

I’m on my way back from a long and very uncomfortable bout of covid. I was very worried about getting back on the bike at first, but once I was cleared, I started just going for stiff walks, throwing in some flights of stairs as a test to see whether I would get out of breath. When I didn’t, I worked through some of the easier GCN sessions. When that all went well, I re-did the Feather “Steepest Climb” session, which I had done a couple of weeks before becoming ill, and compared the results. There were some differences, especially in heart rate, which was 8-10 beats lower in the second try for all 40-odd minutes. I haven’t noticed any breathing problems, which was and still is my biggest worry. I added a few pounds while off, but I will deal with those once I’m fully fit again. In the meantime my body is still trying to fix itself, so I’m eating wisely, if not less.

[@deanabt]

Thx for the tips! I completed a heavy 4-week block/peaked CTL in prep for 'A' crit events, and tested positive for covid June 6th. Down for 5 days. Fever-free started riding easy day 7. Ramped up intensity/length slowly. VO2 session day 12 and held normal level, followed by hard group ride next day/yesterday. System seems well though hard to judge as it has been very hot here in Chicago. Effort repeatability and sustainability perhaps a bit off. Jumping back into a crit this Sunday, day 16 - tbd on how that goes. Watching hrv/resting hr very closely - nothing weird so far.

[@matt_m126]

I got COVID this summer, and recovered 2 weeks before a charity gravel ride. First ride back was slow and painful, but it got way better after. I managed to get my fitness back for the event.

[@mmmbass6068]

Take your time with recovery, particularly as you get older - things aren’t what they used to be, as I found out. If you get a good dose of flu, I reckon it’s about a month after feeling better that you’re back to 100%.

[@gcn]

Si spoke to a master racer about this very subject 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXTJopqkm9SJjbs

[@galenkehler]

I haven't had any respiratory illness since 2019, since we've all been masking and avoiding gatherings for the last 3 years we just don't get sick anymore.

[@bonzainutter]

Talk about timing, I have been ill for 2 weeks and feel a bit better today so I was going to do an easy ride, now I will wait another day and make sure, thanks

[@gcn]

Take it easy! The bike will always be there when you're ready 👀

[@shepshape2585]

Great advice Conor. It's completely understandable that pros would want to rush back from illness. They're getting paid to ride and the better they do so, the more money they can make. But even avid cyclists like myself can take things a bit too seriously. We all have those riding friends who challenge us every time we ride with them, and nobody wants to get dropped, so we're prone to getting back on the bike before we should. But as Conor points out, rushing back can cause more harm and keep you from regaining peak fitness as quickly as you would have if you'd have waited. Take the advice offered here and just ease back once you're feeling better, and of course get plenty of sleep, eat right, and listen to what your body is telling you. Be safe out there! Also, as a bit of advice from me, if you're not able to ride due to illness or injury, maybe take that time to break your bike down and give it a thorough cleaning/lubing/tune-up? Check your cleats and make sure they're in good shape? How do your cables look? Is your indexing perfect? Bar tape looking less than spectacular? I bet that cassette could use a thorough break down and cleaning. I mean, just because you can't ride doesn't mean you can't spend time with your bike, and that way she's all ready to go once you're feeling better! If you don't know how to do any of these things, GCN and others have TONS of videos on here to walk you through all of these jobs, and it's easier than you think.

[@matthewbidmead1863]

Just recovering from shingles. Left me with pain and fatigue. Annoying as I was starting to see some good improvement in fitness and feels like it’s set me back a few months. Some good advice to take it easy and health first fitness second is a phrase I’ll keep in mind

[@gcn]

Rest up Matthew, hope you are back up and riding soon 🙌

[@PatriciaMcManus]

Another great video. Highly informative. Not too long ago I tried to get rid of a sinus infection on the bike, first attempt did not do the trick , second attempt made me a lot worse...Bottom line almost a month off the bike! Lesson learnt. Lol

[@Stratulax]

Timely information for sure. I've just finally recovered from what ended up being a chest cold that ended up taking a month. I'm finally feeling better and have been ramping up my training all week. I've never felt better and love feeling my strength return. But the first few days were the absolute worst! Glad to be back on top of it and you're right. Slow build up seems to be the way to a faster overall recovery. Key being to honestly listen to your body, use active recovery seriously, and fuel both during and after workouts. Good tips and rules to live by and remember.

[@gcn]

Good to hear you've recovered!

[@marie-louisekarlander2366]

Thank you for a very good video. I sit with the notebook and pen , push the pause button sometimes. This year is my first year without coach since 2018 so this helped me a lot. I just recover from illness and now I know how I will make my training plan. The problem is I am almost never sick , I hade Covid/Corona in 2020 and I had omnicrom 2021 (?) don’t remember. I did not find something to copy and even I been worser this time. I’m a triathlete from Sweden, I follow GTN every day. But this was very informative. My best part is the bike 😉. Marie-Louise

[@shreddedvarun]

Thank you for continuing to share your amazing fitness videos despite your illness! I know how it feels to be unable to do what you love, and your videos have helped me get back on track. Keep up the great work!

[@gcn]

Thanks for the support! Glad you like them

[@jonfrench6751]

Great video GCN - very timely! Just recovering from a tummy bug 3 days ago. I was hoping to do an easy spin today but body doesn’t feel up to it. Good idea about checking resting heart rate to help gauge when you’re ready - I’ll give that a go 👍 🙏

[@gcn]

Take it steady Jon! Let us know how you get on 👀

[@albsamuel9154]

I m curently having a cold which includes cough and a little bit of sore throat ….this video was so perfect timing !! Thank u Gcn ur doeing a very nice job👏

[@Tuffydipstick]

August last year I had COVID and I waited at least 3 weeks before I went out on my bike again. It was only for a short ride.

[@SioLazer]

Thanks for all the tips! I usually get the flu or a nasty cold every 3-4 years and I am LONG overdue so this is right on time.

[@gcn]

Fingers crossed!

[@Nessunego]

The best thing is that since I started training and racing as a competitive triathlete, I stopped getting sick. That's incredible for me, having small kids around that spread any known form of microbes every moment! I would like to point out that more than 2 episodes of illness a year may suggest an overtraining status, so check it out.

[@gcn]

Great comment! Nice to hear that your fitter lifestyle is kicking in 🙌

[@foxy1706]

i like to use light sickness weekends off the bike to work on light flexibility exercise. find it makes me feel better that im not just lazing about

[@gcn]

Manon might have just the workout for you 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHuUgGh_r9Bgi9E

[@peterthomas8053]

Great video, enjoyed it. Has to laugh though, at the sequence that showed Alex(I think) in bed sniffling and using tissues, His dog was on the bed, looking at him and seemed to be thinking "you are a drama queen Alex"

[@Cycling.in.Romania]

Like everybody today, good stuff, thank you GCN ❤just recovering from the flu

[@gcn]

Hope this helped, get back spinning soon 🙌

[@bigmikeshooter]

Very interesting because of the winter. Greetings from Greece.

[@georgewitte3548]

Good video, GCN. Solid sensible advice, well presented.

[@gcn]

Thanks George!

[@hicky62]

Recovering from thoracotamy and lobectomy on right lung. Started on indoor trainer, building up slowly. I take time off if I feel weary, do some basic strength and yoga. Luckily cycling provided me with good fitness before my operation, had almost 100%lung function even though 1/3 of right lung not doing anything, (7.8cm tumour and growing).

[@Dwarfboy666]

Wow that’s a serious comeback! I was same as you after my stem cell transplant I had 50% lung capacity due to blood clots on the lungs I was lucky as the hospital staff arranged a stationary bike in my room In the beginning, just 5mins on the home trainer at very easy effort in my isolation room… then I would sleep for two to three hours!😂 Like you say You must listen to your body and “REST if you’re tired” Good luck and Keep up the good work You’ll get there👍

[@hicky62]

@@Dwarfboy666 Well done you for your recovery. Definitely makes it easier being fairly fit before illness or operation, positive attitude goes a long way too. Hope all OK with you now 👍

[@bikecommuter24]

Very timely and good advice, take it easy I have a bad cold it about did me in on Monday my coworker said I looked like I was about to pass out. took Tuesday off and I did 5k run well a long walk on Thursday, the City of Upland Annual Turkey Trot Run, I felt a lot a better yesterday, I haven't been on the bike all week but as I watching this video I'm lubing my chain and checking my tire pressure to go for a ride later on today. Oh yea I did finish the 5K with a stuffed up nose it I did it in 42:04 I'm normally in the 34-35 min range but I got my medal 😆 its amazing all the training we do to get and keep fit-stronger one cold can knock you on your butt. Edit: good thing I lubed my chain I found my derailer bracket loose, wondering why it was making a strange sound when I moving the pedals.

[@notmyrealname6272]

That’s so interesting about the immune suppression window. Will definitely bear that in mind. I have pupils coming to the house and I am much stricter than I was about telling them not to come if they’re remotely ill and it’s made a big difference. Hopefully covid has taught us a tiny bit about being a bit more careful about spreading germs to other people. You never know who’s vulnerable.

[@gcn]

Very well put! Has this video changed your riding? 👀

[@notmyrealname6272]

@@gcn well I only just watched it this morning while I was doing two hours zone two haha aka bored to tears but yes it will definitely change my approach to training when coming down with something. I think I’d be inclined to stop as soon as I felt something rather than waiting for it to travel to my chest. Experience tells me I lose less time that way. I’m definitely going to think about the post tough workout not going to crowded places etc thing. Very interesting.

[@lisapet160]

Good! One week brake makes you stronger due to full recovery, though. But you have to be doing something, call it training, to recover from.

[@troycollett8540]

Perfect. Idea as I just had 4 weeks of illness I’m building up fitness in zone 1 and zone 2

[@gcn]

Need help with finding zone 2? Si's got you covered 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4i2foeYnJWDabc

[@troycollett8540]

@@gcn I’m all good thanks

[@badsamaritansofficial6704]

I think it really depends also how fit you feel and how fit your baseline is to determine when/ how hard to train again. I just had a stomach bug last weekend, went to the gym in the morning with no issue on Saturday suddenly felt really unwell in the afternoon. Got back on the wahoo trainer Tuesday to ride top 10 in the Zwift racing league, actual legs felt fine, despite the top body having some issues and needing time to recover.

[@gcn]

Do you find you are more tiered and takes you longer to recover after these efforts? 🤔

[@stevek8829]

Sounds like you ate something. It starts a half hour after you eat, but a day or two later it's all gone.

[@JoshMalave]

Well I was about to saddle up and ride while still having cold symptoms but saw this video and it probably saved me from making a mistake, although now I have nothing to do today.

[@gcn]

Get well soon Josh! Whilst you've got nothing to do, check out some of our films we've made on GCN+ plus.globalcyclingnetwork.com/films

[@pirminborer625]

Was sick for 3 days now. Made a ride indoors yesterday. Max power was certainly down a lot and max heart rate was 10bpm below normal but my 1 hour output did not change. Feeling better today even though I pushed myself quite a bit towards the end. I think its okay to exercise when you're still not 100% and have congested nose and some cough. Just don't do it in the accute phase when your immune system first combats the virus, generally with fever and muscle pains.

[@gcn]

Not Overdoing it is advised. Keep it steady and well within your limits. Zwift rides are great for this 🙌

[@riverhunterquebec]

I returned on the bike after almost 2 years off and zona virus came back after 2-3 rides that i have pushed a bit too hard. I'm learning to listen to my body now

[@gcn]

Rest up recover, you'll be back on the bike before you know it 🙌

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I really messed it up a few years ago when I started to train too early after a cold and got a fughus infection in the throat on top of it. I had a VCD because of that (your vocal chords „cramp“ and you can‘t breathe any more) and it took me at least half a year to get my throat to a halfway normal. This was such a scary experience, I take this very serious since then.

[@gcn]

Sorry to hear that christian, Hope are back on the bike and up to fitness now. Have you got any tips for someone that is struggling with a slow recovery? 🙌

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@gcn Not much more than being patient. A Whoop or comparable device can be a good indicator when used correctly. When I have a high HRV but there is no obvious reason like hard training or beer the day before it is often the beginning of an illness. In these cases I will not do a hard session.

[@bleckb]

Flu once put me in emergency room. Get a flu shot every year and have so far avoided it. Maybe down to luck. Maybe down to science but I work with a lot of people who are around lots of people and sick kids. I’ll be getting covid shots in the future as well. I get the occasional cold and hate it, but take it easy until recovered. Thanks to Zwift I can do Z1 rides that keep me sane.

[@micoskico]

Great content!!

[@DoNuT_1985]

I had mild Covid and even though my fitness isn't totally ruined, it's still a bit of a drag. I felt OK in everyday life pretty much after I tested negative, but I still see it in slightly raised heart rate on workouts. Now, 1 month later, it's getting better but I'm backing off a bit with intense workouts because I'm still at about +5 in my zones, at least when pushing. I started too early (just one 1wk off after recovery, should have given myself a second one), backed off a bit and then only went with base workouts and moderately fast runs - yesterday I finished my first SST workout on Zwift, still a tad higher on HR but no other issues ... my next sporting goal is in June, so I'll probably take it easy until end of year and then gradually build up again - just keep the legs moving, keep your base fitness and restart when I'm sure all of that s**t virus is out (probably not the case 3-4 weeks after).

[@davethedogdude]

I'm mid 50s but very fit for my age. I had mild COVID about 3 months ago, and although I just felt like I had a cold, kicked up my RHR from low 40s to mid 50s. It lowered my VO2 max from about 52 to more like 42. My RHR is back to normal now after 3 months, but my VO2 max is only about halfway recovered. My FTP is down in a corresponding manner, I'm about 3.6w/kg, I was about 4.2 or so before. It's getting better, but taking a long time.

[@BC-wj8fx]

Keep at it. The vaccine and the virus both knocked my VO2 down and HR up. Vaccine was the worst but I clawed back my performance and then surpassed it. Also as I have become more trained I can hold a higher HR comfortably.

[@DoNuT_1985]

@@BC-wj8fx I just wanted to ask Dave, how do you cope with training given the new circumstances? 4 times vaccinated didn't do anything and I even ran my fastest half marathon last year right after shot 2 or 3, but after infection I clearly had a decrease. I don't feel any negative effects other than a shift in heart rate and corresponding performance decrease, also just thinking about training according to the "new" zones and fighting my way back. Strangely, post-covid HR 165 doesn't feel as near-death to me as it did before ... it's a bit frustrating because Garmin and Strava are constantly telling me how "bad" I'm performing (in comparison to old data) but I really don't feel that way.

[@davethedogdude]

@@DoNuT_1985 for cycling I basically just did a new FTP test on Zwift and am training against that from a power zones standpoint. That seems to have matched my cycling HR zones to the same range they were before. My max HR has not changed, it actually seems to have gone up before I start to feel like "impending doom" is about to happen (I think this is the same thing you are describing). But my HR zones are very different for running and cycling, I never hit those HRs when cycling, there is a 10bpm difference of the max I can ever put out cycling vs. the max I can hit while running, I've always been that way. I was hitting 178 on the track yesterday doing 100 repeats, but I won't ever go above 168 on a bike no matter what, my legs will barf long before I can put out more power. I'm just using normal HR zones for running, since I don't "feel" any different, I have no way of quantifying it beyond that. I Nordic ski as well, can max out my HR doing that easily, but have not had a chance to really see how that's going to work out now yet since I had COVID.

[@cocoroo798]

Just got hit with Covid so this is just the video I needed!!!

[@gcn]

You're welcome! What tips will you be taking on? 🤔

[@popeyebouldercreek]

This might work for normal illnesses, but COVID is a little different. It apparently kicks butt on your mitochondria and nervous system. I had a mild case of COVID at the end of July. 10 days after being symptom free, I went on a 30 mile ride. I felt pretty good during the ride, but getting out of bed the next day I went to the floor with lots of dizziness. It took about two months of neurological PT to get back to where I could start some mild riding on the trainer. I’m hoping to get back out on a flat ride soon (weather permitting), but it crushed me. And don’t forget the Vitamin D!

[@gcn]

Fingers crossed!

[@alexparker8355]

I've been not riding for a week coz of a chest infection. Did my first zwift session last night and was 40w down on my good day and looking at my heart stats managed 28bpm over my maximum ever but only for a few seconds with a much lower average .

[@LaureusSport]

Great video!

[@MarioRafaelM]

Literally this is me I need to go back to exercise next week

[@gcn]

Are you recovering form Illness? 👀 Take it easy and hopefully you'll be spinning soon 🙌

[@ladislavpecsuk4225]

What timing, as i lay in bed with a fever watching this video. Thank u guys for the tips!

[@gcn]

Thanks Ladislav. Get well soon!

[@ladislavpecsuk4225]

@@gcn wow! Thats so Cool, thank you guys for takin time to reply!

[@monetaryjack1705]

I haven't had anything wrong all year, just picked up what was a head cold after 2 lengthy back to back rides last weekend here in the damp, cold, grey miserable Cairngorms... Just a bunch of sneezy, snotty rubbish (I've lateral flow tested 3 times and nothing) but by Wednesday it had kinda migrated to a bit of a cough so I'm just waiting it out, 2,000mg vit C a day... Might do a ride on Sunday but keep it Z1 entirely, or even take the E-MTB out so I can ensure I can keep full control on the HR and still get a fun blast!! ( I think I know why the cold has gone to my chest...The room I sleep in never has any heating on whatsoever, and I'd left the upper vent on the Velux open on Sunday-Tuesday when overnight it was -6c)

[@TheInselaffen]

Oh gonna need this, got COVID on 9th Nov. Clear now, but feel trashed.

[@gcn]

Hope this video helps 🙌

[@uranium5694]

Never thought that I will need to watch this video but here I am recovering from covid and waiting for a negative covid test in order to restart my training.

[@gcn]

Glad we could help! Take it easy, the bike isn't going anywhere. How about some GCN+ docs whilst you recover 😉

[@samuelfawdry6411]

I am coming back from pneumonia the dr told me to take it slowly and steady at first it took me 8 weeks to get back on the bike pretty much doing base miles before doing interval training again and make sure I can ride comfortable without coughing my guts up

[@philadams9254]

Bodyweight (not bodyfat) can go up when ill because of water retention. This can be monitored alongside HR when returning as long as you're sticking to your usual diet.

[@gcn]

Great tip Phil 🙌

[@matt_acton-varian]

Due to limited time to myself, I only manage to do a couple of events a year. I enetered a local cyclocross race on 13th November and set sights on a training plan for the effort. Then mid-September I caught covid for the first time. It took 6 weeks for my lungs to get back to normal but as my blood oxygen was good and my resting heart rate was close to normal I did 2x zone 1indoor sessions in the 6th week so not to stress my lungs but get my legs turning. This was now 3 weeks to go. So as well as a couple of commutes I did a zone 2 and one higher intensity indoor effort the next week, only for my son to bring home a stomach bug 2 weeks before the race. I had another week completely off the bike as my energy levels dropped. I managed 3 hours of indoor low intensity before the race and had to concede defeat after half an hour. I didn't have enough tome to acclimatise to riding in the colder conditions, so my lungs were on fire from the cold.

[@gcn]

That's a shame Matthew. I hope you can come back stronger and enter some events again!

[@matt_acton-varian]

@@gcn I am gradually improving and hopefully a good winter training block will set me up for my local club 10 TT series.

[@fepatton]

I just restarted after having a terrible cold that lasted three weeks. (No, not COVID - I tested multiple times.) I feel like I lost all fitness and I'm starting at the beginning again! It's going to take a while to get back. 😞

[@gcn]

Keep at it! You'll be back to full health before you know it

[@Fitness_Haven]

How fast you get back into exercising, all depends on the severity of the illness. If the illness is small, go right back on the horse right away. If the illness is high, go slow until you feel like you're back to 100%

[@gamebucket2961]

Does this also apply to other exercises like running

[@aaroncushing]

Connor in ihs training room reminds me of Gandalf in Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit hole. 😂

[@patrickenglish9593]

Timely for me. 3 weeks out with 2 consecutive non-specific infections with high fever etc then one week for heavy work. 3 weeks later and VO2 max as estimated by Garmoin 10% down. THat was expected but really struck by how much I have lost off the top end. Some workouts i was almost cruising now have my heart rate jumping off the scale only a few minutes into a much longer effort and I Keep having to dial it down. it will get there but the high end really seems to lag behind in terms of recovery

[@gcn]

Keep at it Patrick! You'll get there soon 🙌

[@larter_larter]

It is when I'm sick that my training motivation is the biggest.

[@bradsanders6954]

Man, I was at my best level,maybe ever. After 4 years with no injuries or sickness...........just going like hell. Then I get this new sick that's going around..............2 weeks immobile, flat, couldnt sleep, horrific sore throat/fever/chills, etc............then 2 more weeks trying to get better, with no energy, no appetite............so a month off bike. Tested twice,no covid. As of today Im back on it, an easy 33 mile pack ride and finally I feel OK....................I see people wearing masks again around here, might be a good idea.

[@gcn]

Glad to hear you've recovered!

[@YonandYon_613]

Lol. Fun to watch this siting at home, ill :)

[@chrispeters2022]

Yeah the lurgies are bad. Takes a while to recover. Bad lurgies just knocked me off the bike for a month

[@SpecialeyesRider]

Im literally watching this while sick and missing my 65 mile training day.

[@gcn]

Hope you get well soon! Whilst you're waiting, why not check out some of the films we have over on GCN+ plus.globalcyclingnetwork.com/films

[@Mathieucros31]

For every week off the bike take 2 weeks back on endurance only . Best and safe way for long term 👍

[@pwoods00]

Last time I was sick, I cycled Zwift several times and totally burned it off. Was awesome.

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

After long breaks I break and still hop on the indoor trainer for no HIIT but just zone 2 nothing more

[@gcn]

Zone 2 all the way 🙌

[@xtrailz]

Just stay in Zone 2 and you should be okay. Zone 2 is the holy grail of cycling.

[@ricf9592]

I can ride an hour plus in Zone 2 at 4 Watts/kg 🙄

[@leightondavies8884]

Where’s the road at 10:30 ? Think I spot the beacons in the background ?

[@AndysAverageAdventures]

I guess my old man’s theory of a few shots of whisky to kill the germs and sweat it out the day after might not be the best then

[@gcn]

Hahaha nice bit of old school advice

[@seattlegrrlie]

I got horribly sick beginning of this month. I rode the first time when my lungs were back to normal. Started with a nice easy ride that felt good.

[@bernardoetchevers7926]

FIRST! I love GCN, keep up the great work !

[@gcn]

Thanks! Great to hear you are enjoying our content 🙌

[@cathalkenneally1614]

I’m dreading getting back on my bike after a chest infection. It’s knocked me for six

[@muhammadirfanhadi8279]

@global cycling network please make Malay subtitles I don't understand English please!!!!!😭😭

[@Indypacecar82]

I became sick in April and it took me off the bike. Then life became busy and I'm still not back on the bike.

[@jonno209]

'Weekend warrior' is less than 10hrs a week. How about 5hrs a week?! :D

[@ethangodridge6833]

Thanks. Personally I haven't been ill in nearly 10 years (March 2013). I put this down to being a 'germophobe', good sleep (8.5-9 hours per night) and good nutrition.

[@gcn]

Very impressive! Do you find staying fit and healthy on the bike helps?

[@ethangodridge6833]

@@gcn Definitely

[@apm9507]

I disagree about not cycling while midly sick. I just slow down a lot and get lots of fresh air. If I'm bed ridden then I just sleep hard, eat healthy, drink lots of herbal tea with honey from across the street, and walk our dog for fresh air.

[@freeffree4133]

You sound like an addict. Get off the damn bike for a couple of days lol.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

It all depends on where you are ill. Head cold? Take it easy. Chest issues? You might want to take a day or two. If it lasts longer, get to A&E or Urgent Care. You may have something serious. I have a few friends with pneumonia, and it will take weeks or months for them to fully recover. Abdominal issues, you might want to wait until it passes. Riding when you are suffering from food poisoning can result in more serious illnesses.

[@apm9507]

@@jamesmckenzie3532 I agree that food poisoning and other gastrointestinal distress issues could be horrible on a bike, especially for cleanup and social standing. If I suffer from uncontrollable emesis or semi liquid fecal matter drainage, I won't ride. In my experience almost all respiratory illness issues I have had have been cured with cycling faster than without cycling. All that mucus sprays out of my nostrils and onto the road, and I feel better.

[@apm9507]

@@jamesmckenzie3532 Pneumonia is a tricky one and I suggest doing your own research and treatment, then make sure you and your family doctor make an informed decision on your treatment. The scary example of not getting pneumonia treated is Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets. Henson had contracted a rare, virulent form of bacterial pneumonia - Group A streptococcus, or Streptococcus pyogenes - and he delayed seeking treatment. . Dead at 53 years old. ☹️

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

@@apm9507 I know several bicyclists who have a long road ahead because of treatment delay. Sadly, a least one of them work in the medical field. There appears to be a new and more intense form of it. That and a spike in RSV is making this Winter a tough one.

[@roadracer1584]

It's not rocket science. Your body tells you when you can get back on the bike. Also, it makes sense to start with short easy rides until you feel good enough to do longer harder rides. This might take several days, a week, or longer. Everybody recovers from an illness at different rates.

[@stevec6232]

It's not sweating out illness, but by raising core temp you will burn out the illness.

[@3WalkingPoles]

Fricking hate the term "weekend warrior" - it's so condescending.

[@gcn]

What would you prefer? 👀

[@3WalkingPoles]

@@gcn Nothing. Not being professional athlete is a standard in society so there's no reason to give us a name. A professional is unusual.

[@alainfreedom3159]

Needle = nano chip. Be a good slave now that you have been chipped - Do some research and see by yourself

[@mbal4052]

I’ve had a really bad flu for about a week, today is the first day my lungs have felt good and I can’t take a nice deep breath without any coughing or catching. I really want to get back on the bike tomorrow morning but I know it’s a bit too soon 😔

[@gcn]

Get well soon! You'll be back on the bike before you know it.