An area in fitness which I have traditionally not been too moderate is exercising when I'm sick. Exercising when in the beginning stages of an illness may be okay, but if you are starting to feel really run down it's probably best to just let it go. Don't feel guilty for skipping a workout if you are feeling ill. If you are feeling run down, you probably will end up cheating with your form. If you are cheating with your form, you may be doing more harm than good. Anecdotal evidence suggests that working out is okay if the symptoms are only above your neck. See here. The theory that if you have body aches you shouldn't be working out until they've resolved themselves. I would suggest that you go with knowing yourself. Ask yourself the question: is working out now going to make me feel worse? If you are exhausted you probably should take the day off. Rest and fluids are always a good idea when you are coming down with something.
Others have suggested modifying your workout so that it's less intense while you are ill. I believe that our fast paced world often hinders our rest. The one time that you most need your rest is when you are coming down with something. Extra rest and fluids can make the difference between something that lasts only a day or two and full blown walking pneumonia. I've learned over time that the benefits of taking a little time off are far greater than the benefits that come from your workout in a weakened state. I am still always reluctant to call in sick from work, but I feel I've become more moderate, by not working out through an illness. If your illness is lengthened then you may not be able to pick up where you left off, but that's better than making yourself worse or risk passing out in the gym. When I was working and in college I would push myself through the sickness, and end up coming down with something worse. Moderation is knowing when to be driven. For me, being moderate means taking a day or two off to recoup before resuming your workout routine.
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