It is normal to feel tired, weak or short of breath when you are recovering from COVID-19 (coronavirus). But being active can help you to recover quicker.
Don’t worry if you feel more tired and have less energy than usual. This is normal and may last for up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Take your time and set small goals.
COVID-19 recovery problems for exercise
Common COVID-19 health problems may affect how well you can exercise.
These include:
- breathlessness
- phlegm - this can depend on how you were affected by the virus
- extreme tiredness (fatigue) and a lack of energy
- muscle weakness and joint stiffness
Read more about recovering from COVID-19
Start slow
Your aim over the next few weeks should be to increase your activities slowly. Regular exercise is good for you but keep in mind that it will take you time to get back to your normal activities.
You should:
- start slowly and introduce new activities gradually
- set yourself realistic targets each week
- rest when you feel tired
Read advice on conserving your energy and fatigue after COVID-19
If you feel breathless
It is important to monitor your breathlessness when you exercise. You should exercise at a level where you are slightly out of breath but still able to talk.
Check how breathless you are on a breathlessness scale
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest but best ways to begin to regain your strength and fitness.
Set short realistic goals at first. If you are very weak, your goal might be to walk to the toilet. Increase the distance when you feel ready.
How much walking you should do each day
The following is a guide only. You should aim for these goals every day if you are able.
Try to plan your walk so there is somewhere to take a break if you feel tired or breathless. This might be a bench or a wall.
- Week 1: 5 to 10 minutes
- Week 2: 10 to 15 minutes
- Week 3: 15 to 20 minutes
- Week 4: 20 to 25 minutes
- Week 5: 25 to 30 minutes
After 6 weeks you should aim to be walking at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. This walking should be reasonably fast so that you are slightly out of breath. You should still be able to talk and walk.
Getting around at home
If you have stairs in your home, climbing them may be difficult for you. If possible, try living downstairs until your energy levels improve.
An occupational therapist may be able to help if you need equipment to help you get around at home.
Talk to your GP to get a referral.
Exercises if you can’t leave your home
You may be in hospital or unable to leave your home. You should still include some exercise in your daily routine.
Being active and avoiding long periods of bed-rest is important. It can help you to recover more quickly - both physically and mentally.
You can do the following exercises in your chair, at home or in hospital.
Seated march
- Sit tall
- Lift your knee
- Return to the floor
- Repeat 20 times on each leg
Seated leg lift
- Sit tall
- Lift your foot to straighten your leg
- Hold for 3 seconds
- Return to the floor
- Repeat 10 times on each leg
Sit to stand
- Place hands on armrests
- Push to standing
- Return to the seat with control
- Repeat 10 times
Rowing arms
- Sit tall
- Hold arms at shoulders
- Push arms out in front
Toe lifts
- Sit tall
- Keep heels on the floor
- Return to start
- Repeat 20 times
Side legs
- Stand tall holding the bar
- Lift your leg to the side
- Keep your leg straight
- Repeat 15 times on each leg
Your physiotherapist will tell you if you're ready for the following advanced exercises.
Leg back
- Stand tall holding the bar
- Lift your leg backwards
- Keep your leg straight
- Repeat 15 times on each leg
Knee raise
- Stand tall holding the bar
- Lift your knee as high as you can
- Repeat 15 times on each leg
Heel raises
- Stand tall holding the bar
- Lift your heels
- Come up on your toes
- Repeat 20 times
More exercises
When you work up to it, you can include more exercises in your daily routine.
Find more exercises involving:
You can also read a guide on how to improve your fitness.
Where to get help
If you're still finding it hard to exercise 8 to 12 weeks after recovery, talk to your GP. They may refer you to a physiotherapist.
After your recovery, keep being active. Check with your local gym or sports club for activities that may interest you. For example, a local walking group.
Related topics
Eating well while recovering from COVID-19
Fatigue and low-energy after COVID-19
Exercises and photographs kindly provided by Clontarf hospital physiotherapy department.
