Those of you who give blood ... effect on exercise

[SweetEm]

If you give blood, how long does it typically take you to feel back to normal afterwards with regards to your running/exercise programme?

I gave blood 2 weeks ago and still feel a bit lethargic and lacking in energy. I can't decide if it's the blood or the cold/dark/general laziness/whatever!

To be honest I never feel any different, but then I'm not into sport. I walk everywhere.

Perhaps you need a vitamin supplement with iron. The dark evenings do effect my energy levels and always tried to go out at lunchtime for a walk.

Well, I can't be anaemic or they wouldn't let me donate and I walk the school run twice a day too.

I do have some vitamins that I never remember to take - I'll give that a try and see if it helps.

No they check your iron levels, perhaps you just need a holiday in the sun.

On the day I give blood, I always make sure I go to the gym before rather than after. My blood seems to come out faster! I'm always a bit touch and go on the iron test (have failed it a few times)- so I take a multi-vit with iron the night before and it seems to help.

I go back to the gym the following day (maybe 24hrs later) and suffer no ill effects.

I read somewhere that it takes 24 hours for the blood volume to be replaced in your body.

I would not do too much on the day of giving blood, but the following day, I would do whatever I wanted, including going to the gym.