Getting Back Into The Gym After COVID-19

A new year brings on resolutions and the most common resolution is to get back in shape, but healthcare officials warn to take precautions before getting into a workout routine.

According to NewsWest 9, no matter if you have not been in the gym for a while or getting back to your workout routine at a gym, healthcare professionals say check with your doctor before starting a strenuous workout.

"Have a discussion with your doctor, they can help you with what you should focus on, and how to get the most out of the effort you put in," said Dr. Rohith Saravanan, a healthcare official.

COVID-19 has also provided its own share of obstacles in working out this year.

"We don't know enough about COVID-19, and its long term effects on hearts, that's the honest answer," said Dr. Saravanan.

So make sure you check with your doctor before getting into an intense workout, especially if it has been a while since you have worked out or haven't worked out before.

"They'll do a physical, they might do an EKG, there might be some blood tests, depending on your condition, and those will tell them how healthy your heart is, and what kind of physical activity you're ready for," said Dr. Saravanan.

If you have contracted COVID-19, you definitely need to check in with your doctor to make sure everything is healed and there has been no lasting damage.

"What we do know is people with mild symptoms do not show a whole lot of heart muscle damage, but people with moderate or severe symptoms, we are seeing some," said Dr. Saravanan.

So make sure you get clearance from your doctor before starting any kind of strenuous exercise.