As gyms begin to reopen, a physician at Centura Health cautions against too much too soon
Colorado consistently ranks among the most active and healthiest states in the nation, and with such an abundance of recreational activities available, it’s easy to understand why. However, for the avid cyclist, runner or enthusiast of most other physical activities, COVID-19 has halted the opportunity to train for the last several months. With gyms and parks starting to reopen, physicians at Centura Health caution against rushing back to the same level of intensity people were accustomed to prior to the lockdowns.
A physician at Centura Health cautions against too much too soon
“It might not seem like much can change in few months but being idle for even a few weeks can significantly change your physical condition,” said Dr. Ahmad Alqaqaa (Dr. Q), a cardiologist who practices at Centura Health - Longmont United Hospital. “I understand the desire to return to normalcy, but I encourage active people to progress gradually and not to over-do-It now that you can finally return to activity.”
In addition to a higher chance of physical injury, a recent article published in HealthDay News stated high-intensity exercise can pose heart risks for those who have inadequate training.
“Just like any other muscle, your heart needs to be conditioned for intense work. Sudden and intense workouts following a long period of inactivity can be dangerous, especially for individuals who may have additional risk factors such as age, family history or diagnosed heart conditions,” added Dr. Q.
People with questions about returning to high-intensity activity are encouraged to consult professional trainers or their primary care physician for advice to restart safely. Centura Health Primary Care currently offers telehealth consulting to help ensure appropriate social distancing and safe interaction.
