How Long Should You Wait to Work Out After Having COVID-19?

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When you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, rest and recovery should be your main priorities. But if your symptoms have gone, how long should you wait until you start working out again and how should you get back into it?

In general, it’s safe to work out after recovering from COVID, but you do need to take some precautions before you just jump back into it. Here’s what you should know about exercising after recovering.

How Soon Can You Work Out After Having COVID?

This really depends on your symptoms, so you should consult with a doctor before just heading straight into working out. Most doctors recommend waiting at least a week after your symptoms have improved, but if you experience more significant symptoms, you may have to wait closer to two to three weeks.

Even if you’re asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, you should wait at least ten days to work out after you’ve tested positive. When you do decide to start exercising, be patient with your body, and don’t push yourself too hard.

How to Start Working Out Again

How you work out once you’re cleared to by your doctor will depend on your current symptoms and your fitness level before getting diagnosed. It’s best to start at a lower level of exertion than you normally would and to work out for a shorter period of time. Over time, you can increase the intensity and duration.