Reader Mail: Yuk! Don't Train When You're Sick

"Hi James,

"I recently purchased the second volume of your book and have been following the Density/Decompression program, and thus far I've seen some great results. A few days ago however I caught the flu and have been unable to get to the gym to complete the second week of the decompression phase. I figure I will have been out of commission for an entire week once I get over this sickness.

"I was wondering how you suggest I work back into the rhythm of the program? Should I carry on with a second week of decompression as though nothing had happened, or should I begin a new density phase?

"Thanks for your time! I really appreciate your blog as a resource. I would also add that as a person of Asian descent, I appreciate your contribution (whether conscious or not) towards breaking down stereotypes of the typical Asian male."

-Philippe


My Answer: If you're sick, then don't workout. If you are sick or injured, then your primary concern is recovery. When you do recover, simply resume the decompression phase. This will serve as a nice break-in period to get you re-acclimated to working out again.

It is not uncommon for people to get sick from training, especially if the training stimulus is new. If you train longer than an hour and you do this repeatedly on a poor diet, then yes, your immunity will be compromised. The other reason exercise sometimes gets you sick is that a lot of toxins are located in your fat stores, so when those fat stores are broken down, the toxins get released into your bloodstream.

By the way Philippe, thanks for the kind words. Part of the reason I wrote Strength and Physique Volumes One and Two was to share with my readers solid information on how to crack the hypertrophy code. If you've done your homework in the gym and with your diet, and you want to take your physique to the next level, then my books will show you how. All lifters who love bodybuilding, Asian or not, should have this knowledge.

When I started my Strength and Physique Blog and wrote my magazine and online articles, I wasn't looking to break stereotypes about the weak Asian male. I just had a love for bodybuilding and strength training.

But I've gotten so many comments, similar to yours, about how it's great to see an athletic-looking Asian male. I'm quite honored and quite humbled that my peers would see me as somewhat of a role model. All Asian males, however, have the potential to be the best at something and to represent our tribe in a good light. By sharing what I know with you guys, you can all reach your physique potential, as long you workout consistently and intelligently.

Strength training is my expertise. Do your Asian brothers a favor and share your expertise. This way we can all be role models for our community.