EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third of Times-Enterprise reporter Natalie Fultz’s periodic reports on her attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle and how others can, too.

What do you do when you need to lift weights but you can barely lift yourself out of bed?

You just spent the last few hours being miserably awakend every few seconds by a dry, deep, scratchy, cough. You’re having night sweats, and even NyQuil isn’t doing the trick.

The last thing you want to do is go to the gym, but at the same time you don’t want to mess up the killer workout routine you’ve been up to the past few weeks.

Do you go?

Amanda May, Factor X Fitness personal trainer, says it depends.

“If the symptoms are above the neck only — such as coughing, runny nose, etc. — working out is fine and may even help give your immune system a boost,” May said. “If you have any below-the-neck symptoms — such as a fever or body aches — it’s best to stay home.”

So much for getting a morning to sleep in. Thanks, Amanda.

May finds that dieting can compromise your immune system. She says it is important to follow a few guidelines because your body’s natural defenses suffer when you are eating in a caloric deficit.

“Take a fish oil supplement,” May said. “The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are especially good at increasing the activity of phagocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that destroys bacteria. The American diet, in general, does not have enough Omega-3 fatty acids, so supplementing with fish oil, especially during periods of dieting, is highly recommended. Secondly, ditch those sugary foods that suppress your immune system. Instead look for ones with lots of antioxidants and vitamins, like fruits and vegetables. Finally, don’t skimp on sleep. Fatigue increases your susceptibility to illness. Rest is sometimes the most important thing you can do for your body.”

This past week, I wasn’t feeling like my normal chipper self. I was battling an infection and, since it was below the neck, I couldn’t make it to the gym.

Initially, I thought this was fabulous news. I’m paying for it now, however.

I spent more than a week out of the gym. Surprisingly, I soon found myself actually missing it. When I finally did make it back, I headed to the scale expecting that I had lost weight. I didn’t think the surplus of candy and ice cream my friends brought me would really make a difference.

Boy, was I wrong.

The number that I saw was repulsive.

I’m glad to be back in my gym routine.