Exercise after giving blood?

DucklingPrincess
DucklingPrincess Posts: 36 Member
edited November 14 in Fitness and Exercise
So, I'm giving blood tomorrow, so I'm not allowed to do much exercise afterward, but at the same time, I don't really want to take a free day because when I do that, I tend to get in the habit of taking them off. So what exactly can I do? Is yoga okay? Or would I be better off just taking the day off?

Replies

  • mumblemagic
    mumblemagic Posts: 1,090 Member
    Ask the doctor / nurse / whoever is taking the blood. If they say no exercise not even yoga, don't do exercise.
  • sgthaggard
    sgthaggard Posts: 581 Member
    I once thought I was invincible and, idiot that I was, played a round of squash after giving blood. I ended up passing out on the court. You would probably be fine with some light exercise, but I'm still going to suggest that you take the day.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    It says light to moderate. the other thing emphasisied is the need to make sure you are hydrated as well as listening to your body so you dont feel light headed or anything. Obviously you are avoiding anything intense or lifting weights. Your choice, just be sensible.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Why wouldn't you exercise? How much blood you giving?
  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    It says light to moderate. the other thing emphasisied is the need to make sure you are hydrated as well as listening to your body so you dont feel light headed or anything. Obviously you are avoiding anything intense or lifting weights. Your choice, just be sensible.

    I lifted weights after giving blood. I didn't make any PRs but I was satisfied with the session.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited March 2015
    Drink a lot of water afterwards to help your blood volume and pressure stay up, then do some light exercise. I would stay away from anything like yoga where your head goes below your heart for a length of time, you might pass out when you stand up again. Might be a good time to walk or swim or do some light lifting and leave the heavy/intense stuff for another day, or just rest. Resting the body is important in general but not a bad thing after donating.

    BTW: thank you for donating blood. I received 4 units just over a year ago and, if it weren't for the generosity of donors, I might not be here.
  • DucklingPrincess
    DucklingPrincess Posts: 36 Member
    dbmata wrote: »
    Why wouldn't you exercise? How much blood you giving?

    I'm just donating the usual amount. I think it's about a pint? You're told not to do anything strenuous until at least 12 hours after donation, since you have less fluid and red blood cells than usual.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    ... didn't know that. Most I've "donated" is about 25mls for various blood panels.
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    edited March 2015
    DucklingPrincess wrote: »
    dbmata wrote: »
    Why wouldn't you exercise? How much blood you giving?

    I'm just donating the usual amount. I think it's about a pint? You're told not to do anything strenuous until at least 12 hours after donation, since you have less fluid and red blood cells than usual.

    Seems pretty clear to me.

    Have a day off.

    Go for a nice stroll. Spend some quality time with friends and loved ones. Go to the cinema and catch that film you've been meaning to see.

    The world won't end if you take a day off...
  • jessiefrancine
    jessiefrancine Posts: 271 Member
    Can you squeeze in something before you donate? That's what I usually try to do. Otherwise I stick to walks for activity after the donation - anything more strenuous than that and I get light headed. I once tried to play sand volleyball in the heat after a donation and it was a BAD idea.
  • DucklingPrincess
    DucklingPrincess Posts: 36 Member
    jessiefrancine wrote: »
    Can you squeeze in something before you donate? That's what I usually try to do. Otherwise I stick to walks for activity after the donation - anything more strenuous than that and I get light headed. I once tried to play sand volleyball in the heat after a donation and it was a BAD idea.

    Probably not. I'm in high school, and it's a school sponsored blood drive. I don't think I can get up early enough to work out and then shower, eat, and be ready for school. I like sleep too much. :P
  • deoliveiraf
    deoliveiraf Posts: 13 Member
    By donating blood, you remove roughly 10% red blood cells from your body, which impacts the ability to deliver oxygen around the body, which gives you a greater chance to be light-headed, and possibly faint during exertion.
    In addition to the reduced oxygen levels, you also have to be careful not to put stress on the needle site, as it is possible for it to open up and start to bleed.
    And definitely drink lots of water to stay hydrated and help replenish your plasma levels, which return to normal within 2-3 days.
  • alysme
    alysme Posts: 81 Member
    I always feel a bit funny (light headed and a little sicky) after giving blood.
    Treat it as a rest day. Eat the post donation biscuits and have a good healthy dinner and get back to it the next day.

  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    I usually just walk and do some light yoga, and treat it as a recovery day.
  • MomTo3Lovez
    MomTo3Lovez Posts: 800 Member
    I wouldn't go doing anything strenuous after....I do walking after if I can't get one in before I donate.
  • kruuTahn
    kruuTahn Posts: 55 Member
    I'd strongly urge you NOT to swim. Must be the worst place to pass out.

    Donating a pint of blood burns about 650 calories (http://www.medicaldaily.com/why-donating-blood-good-your-health-246379). So there's your workout for the day. Relax and get back to it tomorrow.
  • kandeye
    kandeye Posts: 216 Member
    Don't push yourself too hard afterward. Whenever I donate blood the most I do is go for a walk. Donating blood is work enough for your body :smile:
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    edited March 2015
    Don't try to curl the day after donating, doesn't work too well haha.
    Learned that the hard way.
    So tomorrow is Tuesday, maybe do some walking Tuesday night and still stay on the light side on Wednesday and back to full steam ahead on Thursday. That's what I've found works but you might be different...

    ETA: is your hair really that pink and it's not a wig? If you've really dyed your hair that color, kudos on getting it so vibrant. It looks great!
  • DucklingPrincess
    DucklingPrincess Posts: 36 Member
    Thanks, everyone. I'll probably just walk a bit tomorrow if it doesn't rain. If it does, I'll take a rest day.
    lishie_rebooted wrote: »
    ETA: is your hair really that pink and it's not a wig? If you've really dyed your hair that color, kudos on getting it so vibrant. It looks great!

    I had a friend do it for me, but it is my actual hair, yes. :) Thank you!
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    edited March 2015
    I ran 10 miles after donating blood, but that was about 14 years ago. I felt fine, it was a good run. I actually remember it because it was just a few days after 9/11. That being said, I am pretty sure I have done smarter things in my life....
  • DucklingPrincess
    DucklingPrincess Posts: 36 Member
    Thanks everyone! I decided not to do anything today. I don't feel up to doing anything anyway.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories