Your focus when you resume exercise is that you should not get breathless, advises Namita Piparaiya, a yoga and Ayurveda lifestyle specialist at Yoganama. “If you have had a severe lung infection, start by strengthening the muscles that help you to breathe, particularly your diaphragm. Diaphragmatic breathing helps to strengthen your respiratory system as it opens up your lungs and reduces shortness of breath, which results in greater exercise capacity. While recovering from the infection, you can start with five minutes of deep diaphragmatic breathing, three times a day,” she says.  

Dr Salaah Qureshi

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.79%

AAP 42.62%

INC 24.59%

Submit

View All In Poll

When you begin to feel sufficiently strong, you start walking. Don’t overexert yourself — walk for five-minute stretches multiple times a day, and then increase the duration gradually. Do not get disheartened if you tire easily, she adds. With regular practice you will return to normal. “When you are ready to start exercising, exercise a little but often. Instead of one intense session per day, recovery can be better if you aim for smaller sessions, multiple times a day. This way, you can pace yourself instead of overstraining your body. The current protocol states that your pulse oximeter should not drop below 88-90 per cent during your workout. This means that the intensity of your exertion will be light to slightly hard,” she advises. 

Note, however, that you should avoid exercising if you have a fever. Also check with your doctor if you experience chest pain or palpitations.