Exercise after covid
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Anonymous
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I have covid for the first time and am wondering how others eased themselves back into exercise. I keep reading warnings to take it very easy because of post-exertional malaise/long-covid risk but also recognize that there are a wide range of experiences so am interested to hear what others have done.
My covid case is mild (so far), essentially just a bad head cold with low fever. For now, I’m not doing much of anything except sitting on the sofa and dialing into some work calls. When I’m healthy, my primary form of exercise is Peloton, which I do at a pretty high intensity 3-4 times/week for 45-50 minutes. I also do light arms a few times/week. I don’t plan to get back on the bike as long as I’m testing positive but will probably start taking walks (just to get out of the house) once my symptoms clear. Assuming that feels OK, I’d probably get back on the bike for low-intensity classes for a week or two once I’m negative, see how I feel, then ramp up (or down). I have read some recommendations to ramp up even more slowly—walks for a couple of weeks after the illness before doing anything more taxing. Thoughts? Experiences? Recommendations? |
Anonymous
| I have read that you should wait a month after your symptoms clear to do intense exercise. Your plan sounds good. Honestly it took me 2 months to feel like I could exercise again. |
Anonymous
| Everyone is different. Try to go for a ride or whatever your exercise is after you have recovered and see how it goes. |
Anonymous
| I did it the day after I tested positive. I think it prolonged my symptoms. I would try to rest at least 2 weeks if it happened again |
Anonymous
| I unknowingly had mild COVID (discovered it later from residual PCR positive). I use Strava to track workouts. My speed was notably lower for 2 weeks. Good gauge of how long it takes to fully recover |
Anonymous
| Whenever you feel up to it, ease back into your workouts. I think the key is less the time and more not pushing yourself to hit your previous level of exercise. Covid can do an number on your energy/breathing/ability to move. So do low stress things first, wait a day, make sure you feel okay, then try something a bit harder. Sorry you finally got hit with it; Covid sucks. |
Anonymous
You absolutely do not need to wait a month. |
Anonymous
| Thanks, everyone! I took a walk today, which was nice. Will do that for a few more days and if continuing to feel well will try a short, light ride on the bike next week. |
Anonymous
| Just listen to how your body reacts. It took me two weeks to feel up to running and I was careful. Maybe more than I should have been. You’ll get back to it. Average active person does not need a full month with what is circulating now. Even my ultra conservative primary said nothing like that in January when we had COVID. |
Anonymous
| My kids who are athletes had no issue getting right back to it. DH was running 3-5 miles a few weeks after. |
Anonymous
| I exercised throughout when I had covid--it kept me sane! I didn't push myself, but kept up with my routine. |
Anonymous
| No issues going back to exercise post covid. I went right back to gym after 10 days. I felt fine, perhaps lower stamina. But i don't know how much of that was covid related or being a couch potato for 10 days. |
Anonymous
| I took it REALLY easy until I felt better and had a negative test. (About day 11?) I still have a little bit of a lingering cough, but I've gotten back on my bike...gradually. Working my way back up out of an abundance of caution. |
Anonymous
| I developed high BP after covid and was restricted to regular walking. I'll find out in a few weeks where to go from here. It's been frustrating that I can't run anymore. |
Anonymous
| Talk with your doctor! I had a mild case of Covid and am dealing with cardiac inflammation now 3 months later. I wished I had not returned so quickly to exercising. |