We have all learned to listen to our body and to assess for ourselves what you can handle when you feel a little less. Sometimes exercising can actually make you feel better. But is it wise to exercise if you have COVID-19, no matter how you feel? We have the answer for you!
When you have COVID-19, it is wise to be really careful with physical exertion. Exercising with a cold is not comparable to exercising with corona. Of course it is good to keep moving to keep your muscles and lungs healthy, but it is best not to exercise (intensively) as long as you have not yet spent seven days without symptoms. Have you had heart-related complaints due to COVID-19? Then this period is automatically a lot longer.
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Exercising with COVID-19 can not only make your symptoms worse, but you can also develop other complications.
1. You put your heart under tension
The COVID virus puts extra strain on your heart. So when you exercise, there is a chance that you are asking too much of your heart. Also, your muscles and tissues need more oxygen when you exert yourself, which can be a problem if you already have trouble breathing.
2. Blood clots can come loose
COVID-19 would also increase your risk of getting blood clots, which research suggests is because severe infections can increase the levels of blood-binding proteins in your blood. Normally, sports can stop the formation of blood clots, but if they have already formed, they can be loosened by exercise.
3. Your immune system becomes less strong
Fighting an infection like COVID-19 demands a lot from your body, which makes many people especially tired. It is therefore good to use that energy to cure this disease, instead of using it to do your workouts. Even if you don't have any symptoms, your body is still battling the virus. Therefore, avoid (intensive) effort.
4. You will suffer from inflammation faster
In some people who have COVID-19 (about 4%), their immune systems react so strongly that they develop systemic inflammation, with the body also attacking healthy cells. Normally, exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect, but in this case it is counterproductive. Rest gives your body the best chance to recover.
Although it is not recommended to exercise intensively while you have COVID-19, it is a good idea to keep moving slightly. This prevents you from losing (muscle) strength and you can prevent blood clots from forming. It also keeps your lungs more active and you can better protect your heart health. So, if you can, do basic things like walking around the house, taking a shower, getting dressed and making tea. The goal is to move a little bit, preferably every hour.
