Returning to Exercise

[Blackalice]

How is everyone returning to normal life after covid, particularly workouts? I usually do 3 classes a week at the gym, one weights session and maybe an extra workout at home. I keep reading about doing too much too soon leading to long covid or extended fatigue. Just did some weeding and am knackered. Hubby reckons another week off the gym but do some walks and classes at home where I can pick easier ones or stop after a short time to ease back into it. What are you all doing?

I asked the doctor when I was still struggling after 4 weeks and he suggested to keep doing gentle exercise but avoid anything strenuous until I could manage that. I'm now 13 weeks and still not got past gentle walks😢

I had 10 days off my bike. Then did an easy hour on day 11 on the turbo - keeping heart rate in zone 2. Day 12 - 90 mins, zone 2. Day 13 2 hours outdoors, keeping it steady. Day 15 3 hours outside with some efforts. Day 17 and 19 have been at a trail centre mountain biking and pushing hard. No issues. I’ve clearly been ill as my heart rate is up and power down. But I’d expect that after illness/ 10 days off the bike. Otherwise I feel good! I think the key is to listen to your body. Don’t get back to exercise until you feel well enough, then ease back in gradually - same after any illness though.

I went back when the rattley feeling in my chest went - which was after about 2.5 weeks.

I tried to exercise day 12 but it knocked me back for another fortnight. I’d say when you think you’re ready, you’re not! Maybe do something very gentle despite your head telling you that it’s ok to push. Then build from there.
Listen to your body, not the exercise calling

I took it easy with getting back to any sort of impact like running and classes. Had a total of 3 weeks off, but when I went back to it did a couple of gentle weeks using couch to 5k then within a month was up to my usual pace and duration. I think an extra week or two off is well worth it to let your body recover. Do lots of walking to keep yourself moving in the meantime.