The percentage of people who have received COVID-19 vaccines has increased in many countries around the world, but some are wondering if they can go to the gym right after getting vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines typically include two doses taken a few weeks apart, with each person needing to receive the second dose for maximum protection, according to the British newspaper Express.
Dr. James Hall, an associate professor at the Institute of Sports, Exercise, and Health at University College London, stated, "Avoiding strenuous exercise may be a good idea on the day of vaccination." He explained, "This is a logical approach; if you later experience a reaction that includes muscle pain or headache, you won’t know whether it’s due to the vaccine or the intense workout you did at the gym."
Regarding exercising post-vaccination, experts say there's no evidence that exercising after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can reduce its effectiveness. Dr. David Wyles, an infectious disease physician at Denver Health, stated, "I don't think there’s anything dangerous about exercising after getting vaccinated."
He added, "However, some individuals may experience common side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines, so it might be a good idea to reschedule a strenuous exercise session for another day after getting vaccinated. Light exercise is fine, but we generally recommend avoiding very intense workouts for a while."
