Getting moving again after recovering from COVID-19 may not be easy for some members and we’d like to advise that pushing yourself too hard, too soon, can be detrimental to your recovery.We recommend waiting at least seven days after you first experience symptoms to resume any form of exercise, however, do not return to exercise if you still have symptoms of COVID-19. If you jump right back into your workouts at full speed and don’t allow your body the time to rest and heal, it could actually take longer for you to regain your fitness or, even worse, lead to a re-injury or relapse. On your return, start with low-intensity activities such as gentle walking or yoga.From there, gradually increase your heart rate to light intensity through the stationary bike, elliptical machine, or brisk walking for a week. We also recommend doing some low-intensity group exercise classes so you’re around other members and telling the instructor that you’ve just recovered from COVID-19, or even better, resume your training one-on-one with a personal trainer.

If you engaged in strength training before getting COVID, on your return don’t go too heavy, obviously, just move your body and some light weights to get the muscle fibers moving again.

Because each person’s recovery and return to exercise is an individual experience, you’ll have to monitor your progress closely and pay attention to your symptoms when you work out.

The most important thing to remember is to implement a gradual, slow return to physical activity. Do not be hard on yourself and compete with your pre-COVID self. And, of course, be realistic with your goals.

If you are struggling to get back into some physical activity due to weeks of fatigue, seek individualised support from a GP or our onsite exercise physiologists – Atkins Health.

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