• were in the hospital for COVID-19
• have any other health concerns or an injury
• are on oxygen therapy that your doctor prescribed
• have symptoms that get worse with activity

Should I talk to my healthcare provider about exercise?

There are many reasons to talk to your healthcare provider about exercising after COVID-19. They can:

• screen your symptoms
• help you decide if exercise is right for you at your stage of recovery
• answer questions you have about your symptoms and exercise
• refer you to another healthcare provider or a specialist if needed

Check with your doctor before you start to exercise if you:

• have a heart or lung condition
• feel worse or more tired the day after exercise
• or have symptoms that stop you from doing your daily activities
• have any symptoms listed below

Stop exercising and contact a healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms:

• fever that keeps coming back
• nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
• dizzy or lightheaded
• short of breath at rest
• blurred or double vision
• headache that isn't normal for you
• tight feeling or pain in your chest  
• pain that is very bad or limits your daily activity
• irregular blood pressure or heart rate
• trouble doing more your activity, or feeling worse after exercising

Don't start exercising again until you've talked to your healthcare provider and your symptoms have improved.

Do I need exercise support?

Get support with exercise if any of the following apply to you:

• You keep having symptoms from COVID-19 or have long COVID.
• You have chronic health conditions (for example, arthritis, diabetes, or a stroke).
• You've never exercised before.
• You're unsure about exercise or just don't know what to do or how to progress.

Where can I get support for exercising safely after COVID-19?

If you live in Alberta, the following services can support your recovery from COVID-19:

• The Rehabilitation Advice Line at 1-833-379-0563 is free and can help screen symptoms before you start or continue with exercise. They can help you decide if it's a good time to add exercise to your routine. They can guide you in a plan for managing your symptoms and activities.
• The Alberta Healthy Living Program may offer services where you live or virtual care options. They can help you learn to manage your chronic health conditions, including long COVID. They may offer support and guidance for exercising safely.