You will probably experience times when you are unable to perform your exercise program due to illness or personal changes. When this occurs, you may require a return visit to your physician for re-evaluation or referral to a formal rehabilitation program to re-establish safe performance levels. 

The basic rules of thumb for exercising during an illness or infection are as follows:

• If you are seriously ill, maintain a very low level of activity. This includes self-care, sitting in a chair for meals, and very little walking.
• If you’ve been in the hospital or had a setback, restart your exercise program slowly. Increase your pace and effort level with guidance from your doctor or trainer. Getting back to your exercise program can help your recovery. But, it’s good to ease back into it.
• When you have unusual symptoms, take it easy. Keep it at a 1-2 on The Borg Scale for Rating Perceived Exertion. That means a very small amount of effort.

YES: Safe to exercise

I feel tired or feel shaky.
I have a headache.
I am coming down from a steroid burst.
I am having a bad day.
I have too many other things to do.
I am bored and feeling lazy today.

NO: Not safe to exercise

I feel nauseated.
I am experiencing leg pain that I cannot explain. 
I am experiencing chest pain.
I am out of oxygen (if using oxygen).
I have a fever or strep throat.

Exercise – AlphaNet Canada