DENVER -- I was so excited this week. I planned a four day weekend with skiing and hiking. Then it hit. A nasty bug.

Instead of being outside and active, I was stuck on the couch. My big adventure was a trip to the local clinic where I was diagnosed with a sinus infection.

When I asked about working out, the nurse said if I felt up to it, I should. The paperwork from the clinic even said "exercise can clear your head." With my ears plugged up, I was too dizzy to drive and too dizzy to work out. The good news? I didn't gain any weight since I had no appetite.

I asked Jane Hastings, personal trainer and owner of Mad About Fitness, for her advice about working out while sick:

There's nothing fun about being sick. This time of year brings about lots of socialization which in turn can bring on lots of germs being spread. This does not help in your weight loss efforts.
If you pick something up, take care of your self. Listen to your body. If it tells you to take a break, take it.
If you have a fever, flu symptoms or stomach issues, stop working out.
If you have a mild common cold, it may be okay to workout within reason. Drop your intensity to about 50-60 percent.
It may be OK to get things moving but too much may prolong the illness. Again, listen to your body. The general rule of thumb is that if you're sick above the neck (and mild) it is probably alright to work out.
If your symptoms move into your chest and congestion develops there, you should stop. You should always consult a physician when conditions persist.
Please be considerate of others when you are not feeling well. Wash your hands before and after you work out, spray down any equipment that you touch and just stay at home if you are feeling that bad.
You will get better and you will get back to your routine sooner if you just listen to your body. Be well.

You can reach Jane at 303-871-8661 or visit the Mad About Fitness Web site.

I asked the nurse at the clinic how she fights the bug when she's seeing so many sick people? Her advice was simple, "I wash my hands a lot."