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A Gradual Start
Returning to normal life after the coronavirus infection is a gradual process. You may continue to experience the infection’s undesirable symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, breathlessness, muscle, and joint pain even after getting tested negative. As a result, it can make it difficult for you to perform your everyday tasks, including exercise.
In such unusual circumstances, it is always best to take a gradual start. Listen to your body and prioritize your health above all.
As you plan to get in shape after COVID-19, go for 5-10 minutes of low-intensity workouts. You can start with walk twice a week, and in the weeks following the recovery, you can gradually increase the duration, intensity, and frequency.
Again, you need to listen to your body and discuss everything regarding your health with your doctor.
COVID-19 is Different From Other Illnesses
COVID-19 is unusual, and we still have limited information about how the virus affects the human body. In case of an infection, every person’s body responds differently. Two people having the same symptoms can take different times to recover from the infection. Moreover, how they feel after recovering will also be different.
So while staying active is a great thing for your health in general and recovering from COVID-19, remember that it is different from all other known illnesses. Your body may respond unusually as you get started with a fitness regime following the COVID-19 infection.
A Word of Caution
It is best to keep moving throughout the day for people who experienced any blood-related symptoms as it reduces the risk of blood clots. Moreover, if you experienced severe respiratory symptoms like pneumonia, it is best to give your body at least ten days following the recovery to get started with a workout routine. Furthermore, even when you begin (gradually), continue to monitor both your heart rate as well as oxygen saturation. The minute you start feeling breathless or you experience heaviness in your chest, stop right away.
Lastly, suppose you have been suffering from cardiac issues and were recently infected by the virus. In that case, it is best to wait for 2-3 weeks before returning to any form of physical exercise. But if you experienced the usual gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhea) and fatigue, you can slowly return to your normal workout routine. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids, so your body stays hydrated.
If you develop palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath in any of the above cases, immediately see a doctor.
Let’s Get Moving
COVID-19 is still an unusual virus with varying effects on the human body. For some, it can hamper their ability to perform everyday tasks such as a shower or getting groceries, while others experience cardiac problems that were previously non-existent. Regardless of how the coronavirus has affected you, you can still get in shape.
All you have to do is give yourself enough time to recover before you start any physical activity. Moreover, don’t forget to discuss your physical activity plan with your doctor. And once you get the approval, continue to listen to your body. Immediately stop any physical activity if you experience any unusual symptoms, and consult your primary healthcare provider!
