Post pandemic weak legs

[cheekywaffle]

Since the pandemic started, my levels of activity have dropped massively. I basically all of 2020 stuck in the house, rather than going out and exercising. I then fell pregnant in 2021 and still didn't really do anything because I was too scared of catching covid while pregnant.

I now find that if I go out, my legs get tired so so quickly. Is it likely that my muscles have just given up in my legs and I just need to rebuild the strength in them? I'm fine pottering about the house but as soon as I'm out walking for a longer distance than normal my legs just get so tired and heavy. I'm also overweight, and a very anxious person so I feel my anxiety comes into play and my brains tells me I can't walk like I used to.

I have had covid this year, but this issue existed before I'd had it so I don't think it's long covjd.

Please no one be a dick, I know this is my own doing and I just wonder if anyone else is in the same situation.

Sounds just like you're a bit unfit. It comes back pretty quickly!
I got a peloton end of feb and did a 10 min ride. Legs on fire and gasping for air and now I can do 60 min ones

I hope that's the case, obviously my stupid brain thinks there's something more wrong but I really did not do anything for such a long time!!

Ah, OP. The pandemic has caused endless problems. I think your issue is easily fixable.
You could try going on short walks and gradually building up little by little. That would help. It's easier at this time of year with the longer days and warmer weather. For faster results, go to the gym in your local leisure centre and ask a personal trainer to give you a personal exercise programme.

Yep, you sound like that good old fashioned mix of overweight and unfit (said with kindness!)

I'm sure with some healthy eating and regular exercise, you'll begin to see improvements slowly and steadily.

Oh and don't be so hard on yourself. You've been through a lot

Hopefully you're just being a little self conscious after having your baby. Well done you for getting out there

Have you got any other symptoms? For example sweating or tremors?

Could you be anaemic? May be worth asking your GP for blood tests. Have you taken vitamin D supplements through winter? The NHS recommends this. Also, have you considered an activity tracker like FitBit or Apple watch to count your steps? They were helpful for me to gradually increase my steps. I was so tired I increased my steps every other day because I was so tired at first. They are not completely accurate but a useful guide and incentive. There is an excellent book Atomic Habits which encourages making small changes 1% at a time, don’t think you have to do the ‘magic’ 10,000 steps, build up gradually from wherever you are.