Episode 78: Exercising When You’re Ill - When to Rest, When to Move, and Why Listening Matters

In this episode of the Ruth Macfit Podcast, Ruth shares a personal story from a weekend run that didn’t go to plan and why stopping was the smartest decision she could have made.Using both lived experience and evidence-based guidance, this episode explores how to decide whether to exercise when you’re feeling under the weather, why simple rules like “above the neck” can be misleading, and how to adapt training without losing momentum or confidence.You’ll hear about:Why exercise can feel harder, not easier, when illness is brewingThe difference between normal training fatigue and illness-related fatigueWhen light movement can help and when rest really mattersHow to test readiness with everyday movement rather than full workoutsWhy pushing through can prolong recovery and increase riskHow to return to training after illness without rushing or setbacksWhat actually supports immune health during winter, without miracle fixesThis episode is for anyone who values consistency, struggles with knowing when to rest, or worries that missing a workout means losing progress. It’s about making decisions that support long-term health, not proving willpower.Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruthmacfitWebsite and coaching options: www.ruthmacfit.com