Training In The Dojo While Sick--Important Message!

[Sohan]

I was reading another post, and this is a comment for those considering training this winter (if it is winter where you live) with an existing cold or flu.

Although exercise can do YOU a world of good when you have a cold, it can also make your fellow dojomates sick--sweaty people making frequent physical contact in damp clothing are simply hot zones for infectious viruses.

I personally get very cranky when a training partner comes in with a cold, because it puts me at risk, and I ABHOR being sick and missing training. I am sure I speak for many other MA practitioners by saying that if you are sick, even if you think it's no big deal, please stay out of the dojo and train solo until you feel better.

With respect,

Sohan

[Shotokan-kez]

Totally agree with you Sohan, i hate that too, and to be honest i'm such a big baby when i'm sick that i just sulk on the sofa watching tv lol.

There was a time when we were training and this kid just wouldn't stop coughing, it was very irritating and very loud. In the end the sensei had to tell her to sit out!

[TigerDude]

Absolutely! Feel free to stay home from work as well, vs. making your co-workers sick.

[bushido_man96]

Absolutely! Feel free to stay home from work as well, vs. making your co-workers sick.

Man, this, I don't do well. I think I have a "work ethic" problem. I hate missing work, because it makes me feel like I am not accomplishing anything, and I don't like to put a strain on my co-workers, who have to cover for me. I know they would do it, but I hate to put them in that position.

As for missing out on training, I can do that, but I hate doing that as well. It makes me feel guilty. But, I don't want others avoiding me because I may get them sick, either.

Good advise, Sohan!

[Jiffy]

Absolutely! Feel free to stay home from work as well, vs. making your co-workers sick.

Man, this, I don't do well. I think I have a "work ethic" problem. I hate missing work, because it makes me feel like I am not accomplishing anything, and I don't like to put a strain on my co-workers, who have to cover for me. I know they would do it, but I hate to put them in that position.

As for missing out on training, I can do that, but I hate doing that as well. It makes me feel guilty. But, I don't want others avoiding me because I may get them sick, either.

Good advise, Sohan!

True, but if you make them sick too, it's going to put even more strain on the remaining part of the team.

[Jiffy]

I agree and disagree. I agree that if you are sick, you should be thinking of your fellow students and stay out of the dojo till you are better.

On the other hand, for me personally, I see sick people as nothing more than an opportunity for me to strengthen my immune system and therefore, I will still train with them, so it doesn't bother me personally, but I understand what you are getting at.

[Orion]

Well said, I hate it when someones coughing and sneezing and then wants to throw a technique at you.

I also agree about the work thing aswell lots of people come into work still ill because for the first year you don't get paid sick leave. Which unfortunately makes everyone ill.

[Sohan]

I agree and disagree. I agree that if you are sick, you should be thinking of your fellow students and stay out of the dojo till you are better.

On the other hand, for me personally, I see sick people as nothing more than an opportunity for me to strengthen my immune system and therefore, I will still train with them, so it doesn't bother me personally, but I understand what you are getting at.

Jiffy, I strengthen my immune system more effectively by training, eating well, managing stress, and getting good rest between workouts. I don't need someone sneezing on me to bolster my defenses.

With respect,

Sohan

[lordtariel]

I'm with Sohan on this one. You should respect your fellow students and not train with them. Where I work, sick time eats up your paid vacation first. You aren't allowed to take unpaid time off until your vacation is gone. So many people come in sick to save their vacation and sneeze and hack all over people.

[KarateK]

I dont have much of a choice - I dont get anything other than statutory sick pay which is a pittance - so I either use up my holiday days or dont get paid. Neither is a good option when you are a single mum! I don't like being off work for something as simple as a cold, I tend to just keep my distance from other workers.

However in a dojo you do work much closer with people, contact is unavoidable and as such I would stay off - besides, if one session will set you back that much that you cant afford to miss it then maybe you arent training as effectively?