Dear Jellybean,
In about a month I'm going on a trip to visit friends that I haven't seen in years! I'm so excited! I really wanted to stay in shape to look good when I
saw them again, but, with my luck, I came down with mono. I'm not super out of shape (I was on school sports teams and was pretty active) but I can't
help worrying that I'm going to gain weight and lose definition because of being unable to work out. I don't want to hurt my body and want to give it
time to recover, but I also want to stay in shape. Is there anything you know of that can help me?
Thanks!
Worried Sick
Dear Worried Sick,
Your friends are going to be so excited to see you. You're much more aware of exactly how in or out of shape you are, and I'm sure that's the last thing they will notice - or care about - when you have your reunion.
It's great to care about being in shape, but not if it has you worried sick. Don't stress so much. Instead, put that energy into doing gentle exercise that keeps you feeling good, but gives your body a good chance to revover from your recent illness. After all, if you overdo it, you could end up sick again - and then you'll just get more out of shape.
Talk to your family doctor about what exercise is appropriate right now, while you're getting better. He/she may give the green light to light stretching or yoga, or other types of exercise that can keep you fit but don't over-tax your system.
