Returning Safely to Exercise After Recovering From COVID-19

We all know that exercising is important for overall health as it improves stamina as well as balance, flexibility, and agility of the body. It also boosts the functioning of our heart, lungs, and circulatory system. However, jumping back to your regular fitness routine post Covid-19 recovery can be challenging.

Exercises should not be done for at least 7-10 after the resolution of any symptoms. One should only think of returning to physical activity if they start feeling comfortable with daily life activities like sleeping well, eating well, and resuming offices or any other academic work.

Effects of Covid-19 on Overall Fitness Still Unknown

Exercising is a vital part of many people’s lives and when skipped, leaves them feeling incomplete. Believe us we understand that more than anyone, we get it that you just don’t like sitting on the couch but for a person who has recovered from Covid-19, it is important to take full rest and move ahead slowly. Don’t try to “power through” and rather monitor your body in phases to track if everything is under control. One of the ways is to do a 6 minute walk test.

Dr Jordan D. Metzl, lead author of the guidelines for getting back into exercises after mild or moderate Covid-19 infection believes that Covid-19 complications are so uncertain that even factors like exercises remain questionable but if you have an appropriate expert administered plan for returning to exercise after fighting COVID-19, you can safely carry out your new fitness regime.

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Tip for Asymptomatic Patients

People who haven’t experienced any symptoms should gradually return to exercises at a pace of 50%. They should do half of what they usually did before Covid-19. In case any sudden symptom appears, it will be best to consult a doctor that you can do without stepping out, right from home via online chat/audio/video call on The Wellness Corner app.

Get Your Heart Checked

Mid-age, elder people, or those who have had cardiac issues or heart inflammation (Myocarditis) kind of complications earlier should have their heart checked and verify that they don’t have it at the moment.

According to Dr Schaefer “Myocarditis is more likely to be found in people who had a moderate or severe case of the virus, but it can happen to anyone who was infected”.

NAAC ( National Assessment and Accreditation Council) recommends sports freaks and athletes to do the same and check if their medical records are clear before getting back to basics.

If any of the following symptoms occur while your progression, it should be considered a red flag symptom and exercises should be put to hold-

• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Headaches
• High heart rate
• Dizziness
• Breathing problems
• Fatigue (More than usual)
• Sudden passing out
• Vision issues
  

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Proceed with Caution

It would be best to return to exercises only after consulting an expert because you might be in a perception that you have properly recovered from COVID-19 but your expert would help you analyze that area realistically. Once allowed you can get an exercise planner curated from your wellness expert (You may get in touch with our fitness coaches on The Wellness Corner app) who will ensure that you heal from within and gradually progress towards your pre-Covid-19 exercise routine.