Work out while confined, okay, but do not work out to death. While France has been in lockdown since March 16th, 2020 and conditions to exercise outside have grown tougher these past few days, amateur or professional athletes have tried to push back their limits and outdo themselves because of boredom. Yet, working out too strenuously could be highly risky. And doctors are alerting.
It’s as risky for young people on social network tempted to take up always more impressive challenges as for skilled athletes, pushing too hard, and health professionals are alerting about how dangerous exercising without preparation or too strenuously could be. According to professor Uzan interviewed by our peers at Le Figaro, “this isn’t the time, during the epidemic, to start working out if you don’t used to before that”.
Furthermore, according to sport cardiologist doctor Laurent Chevalier contacted by L'Equipe, you really have to “pay attention to very intense activities”. How come? First because exercising is not advised “when you have an infection” according to cardiology professor Eloi Marijon. At the start of any symptom, whether it’s Covid-19 or other infections, “physical efforts could worsen the seriousness of the disease”. The ideal – according to health professionals – is to “remain cautious” and wait “7 to 10 days before resuming any physical activity”.
And hear us out one more time, working out doesn’t enable you to erase the virus! And even less coronavirus! According to doctor Uzan, there’s a risk that “the coronavirus goes and attack a heart muscle, causing inflammation”. As a consequence, “cardiac dysrhythmia [irregular heartbeat] and sudden death” remain to risky for him. As for skilled athletes, the idea is to stay fit but don’t take unnecessary risks. During the confinement: no marathon on your balcony!
