As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact our community, efforts to maintain wellbeing and reduce stress and anxiety have never been more important. Equally important, is returning to a regular exercise regime post-COVID recovery. But in doing so, it’s crucial to understand how the illness may have affected your body, and how best to readjust an exercise program to ensure continued recovery and avoid any further illness or injury.
The most common symptoms following COVID-19 include shortness of breath and fatigue, which have been reported to come and go with specific triggers. Some may also experience ‘Long COVID’, which is a term used to describe other continued signs and symptoms, which aren’t necessarily explained by other diagnoses. International studies are finding over 50% of post-COVID sufferers have reported the same persistent symptoms.
We’ve learned a lot about COVID-19 over the past couple of years, but there’s still plenty we don’t know, which is why it’s so crucial for community members to seek expert advice before returning to exercise. It is for this reason that the team at Club Active has developed the ‘Respiratory Recovery Program’, which is an evidence-based, exercise program led by accredited exercise physiologists, specifically designed to improve health and recovery after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
After COVID-19 the first steps are to reintroduce daily activities and be able to complete these relatively symptom free. You can typically commence a tailored exercise program within 10 days post, provided the worst of your symptoms has eased and you are conservative in your approach.
I can’t emphasise enough the importance of an Exercise Physiology assessment, as it will provide the best chance of doing the right things for your body. It will also help to boost exercise confidence and minimise feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. If you’d like further information on getting back to exercise safely after a COVID-19 diagnosis, our team of exceptionally qualified exercise physiologists are ready to chat with you. Get in touch with your local Club Active to learn more.
