Blood donation -- your advice, please!

[Little Angel]

I am scheduled to donate blood this afternoon. My question is about working out soon after a donation. I normally get up and work out around 4:30am each day, and tomorrow is a scheduled "cardio" day. Do you think it will be safe to do my regular "all-out" cardio tomorrow morning, or should I go light? Or even take a rest day? (Assuming, of course, there is no ill-effect with the donation)

The last time I donated, I was considerably heavier and did not exercise regularly, so if anybody has advice I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[sparrow]

I am banned from giving blood for donation (bummer!) but the one time I tried I was told that I shouldn't work out the next day, or keep it very light. HTH!

Sparrow


Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage

 

[SRP]

Please give your body a full 24 hours to recover. I speak from experience. I gave blood and tried to do LowMax that afternoon. My arms and feet went into cramps, and I had to stop less than halfway through. Thought I was just going to collapse. You can probably get away with some walking (not power walking) or stretching. Otherwise, I'd take a rest day.

 

[carolynjane]

TAke a rest day or do some stretching. I gave blood once and came home and starting doing cardio (high impact aerobics) and fainted! I was jumping around and the next thing I knew I was on the floor looking at the ceiling!

 

[toastythemosty]

I would not work out after giving blood. Not at all. Your body needs to regroup. You probably won't get very far if you try as your body is not a machine! LOL! Next day, I would still be careful and see how you feel. I speak from experience. Use to donate often.

Charlotte~~

 

[mathgeek]

They tell you to not to do any exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours after giving blood. They also tell you to get plenty of fluids (more than normal). So call it a rest day and feel free to eat the donut they give you. You just saved a life, so take it easy.

Kristy

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good

 

[Little Angel]

Thank you all so very much! Tomorrow will be a rest day. Thursday, watch out, world!! LOL

Thanks again.

 

[truton]

I give blood every 60 days or so. Normally I give in the late afternoon/evening. The following morning I won't do weights but will do cardio. I've noticed that my heartrate will go a lot higher on the day following the donation so it's not a good day to do, for example, Hardcore Extreme or IMAX3! I usually choose a steady state step tape like one from the Classics or Cardio Hits, nothing too strenuous. If you do decide to workout, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and if you start feeling lightheaded you should stop immediately.