I usually exercise 5-6 days a week and took it slow coming back from COVID. I started with short workouts on day 8 (like just 10-15 minutes), and they made me cough. I didn't run again until 3 weeks after I tested positive.

It took me about 2-3 months to get back to where I was with my exercise after getting covid. I did no significant exercise when I had symptoms and then was dealing with extreme exhaustion for another week or so. This was probably close to 3 weeks. When I felt like I had the energy to get back to some exercise I took it very slow. Less intensity, less time and more rest days. My lugs just burned so much more than prior to getting covid. It slowly got better and I could add more time and intensity.

This is OP; I’m now on day 10 and have found this thread really helpful.

My case has been quite mild: a 2-3 days of bad congestion/sneezing, low fever. For the last 5 days, I’ve felt fine, had good energy, been able to take normal walks outside. I am still testing positive, although finally the line on the test is starting to get less intense, so I’m hoping to be negative within the next couple of days.

Because I’m feeling fine (and kind of going crazy after 10 days of isolation and low activity), I’m considering getting on the bike today and doing a low-intensity ride.

Thanks to all who have replied so far; I hope people will keep sharing their experiences. And to those who have had a harder time, I’m really sorry and wish you full recovery.

I had Covid back in February. Felt like a mild cold, but the fatigue lasted a week after the cough / sneezing went away. I went back to the gym after that week 2 fatigue went away and it was back to my usual routine - which most people would probably consider pretty strenuous (squats, bench, deadlift, conditioning).

Anonymous wrote:Before I had COVID I was running 3-5 miles 4 to 5 times per week and doing weights 3x a week. I was fit but “normal” ie my running pace is 8 to 9 minute miles. COVID did a number on me despite not needing hospitalization etc. it was basically the worst cold/sinus infection of my life and I was basically in bed for two weeks. Two weeks after that I felt “normal” enough despite still having no hearing in one ear. Im back to working out 3ish miles three times a week but I’m doing a 13 minute pace and alternating with walking and I am winded. Hoping I’ll be back to pre COVID levels of fitness in two months.

Damn WTH

Before I had COVID I was running 3-5 miles 4 to 5 times per week and doing weights 3x a week. I was fit but “normal” ie my running pace is 8 to 9 minute miles. COVID did a number on me despite not needing hospitalization etc. it was basically the worst cold/sinus infection of my life and I was basically in bed for two weeks. Two weeks after that I felt “normal” enough despite still having no hearing in one ear. Im back to working out 3ish miles three times a week but I’m doing a 13 minute pace and alternating with walking and I am winded. Hoping I’ll be back to pre COVID levels of fitness in two months.

Everyone is different. My DH had covid twice and continued to do light workouts throughout. His doctor was fine with it. I unknowingly worked out the first couple days I had Covid and was fine, just felt a little slower because I felt like I had a cold. However, I did try to get back to running outside on day 10 and it was obviously too soon because I coughed up a storm. I can’t say it set me back; it was just a signal I needed to go slower.

Be careful OP. I was in very good shape and even trying light exercise made me faint right on the sidewalk. Late 30s fwiw. A friend wanted to call an Uber after walking a block and she was in great shape. Please do as others have said. Talk to doctor and give your body time to heal. Listen to signs the f it’s too much too soon. You don’t want long Covid if you can possibly avoid it.

Anonymous wrote:I struggled despite a mild case, and actually still haven't done much more than walking/hiking and yoga. I tried to do a barre class and had to sit out pretty much all of the aerobic part because of shortness of breath.

When I had Covid, I had no shortness of breath and very little cough (killer sore throat though). But my post-Covid cough has been really limiting. Not just with exercise but also with stuff like talking while walking, or reading to my kid. It finally seems to have improved in the last week, which is about 6 weeks out.

This is helpful, thank you. My (mild, head-cold-like) symptoms are largely resolved, but I’m still testing positive. I’ve been going for walksoutside for the last few days at a normal pace. But it’s good to be reminded of the possibility that that could change even after the acute stage passes.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Would you be willing to share more about your situation? How/when did the inflammation start? Has your doctor connected it to your return to exercise? What symptoms were you having that led to this diagnosis? Thanks and hope you are doing OK.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

You absolutely do not need to wait a month.

Some people with long-haul Covid said the trigger was trying to exercise too soon. Obviously everyone is different though.

I struggled despite a mild case, and actually still haven't done much more than walking/hiking and yoga. I tried to do a barre class and had to sit out pretty much all of the aerobic part because of shortness of breath.

When I had Covid, I had no shortness of breath and very little cough (killer sore throat though). But my post-Covid cough has been really limiting. Not just with exercise but also with stuff like talking while walking, or reading to my kid. It finally seems to have improved in the last week, which is about 6 weeks out.

I started back about 10 days after symptom onset both times. What surprised me was the length of time it took me to regain my prior level of intensity - months. There wasn’t anything I could do except push through.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Truth