Giving Blood and Exercising

[horsing around]

When I give blood, they tell me to wait about 24 hours before doing any heavy lifting. I gave blood Tuesday afternoon, then did TurboBarre yesterday. I tried to do Crossfire today but stopped about half-way through it due to feeling light-headed. For anyone that donates, about how long does it take for your body to recover?

I'm 45, so maybe taking me a little longer as I get a little older.

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[MommaPew]

I feel it takes about a week for my energy level to come back after donating blood. Sad that sometimes I worry how donating blood will interfere with my workouts!

 

[elsie3]

I'm also 45 and donate regularly. I try to schedule a weight workout the day I donate (before donation, of course). That way I have time to recover before my next weight workout. I do cardio the day after donation. I haven't really noticed feeling lightheaded or lacking in energy; but then again I haven't tried CrossFire after. Hydration is super-important. I do take an iron supplement after donating.

 

[story1267]

Elsie, that sounds like a great idea. I donated last week and was also told to wait 24 hours. I think your plan is a good one.

I think I'd wait to do anything super intense for maybe 3 days. Moderate intensity should be fine.

My person also recommended to start really hydrating a full week ahead of your donation...and to double up on hydration afterwards for a couple of days.

She must not have a long commute.

 

[spyrosmom]

I donate regularly as well. I think it's every 8 weeks that they call. I try to get my workout for the day in before I go, so I'm good for that day. I normally go on Saturday morning, which is usually a cardio day for me, so lifting isn't really a worry. I normally go from there to the grocery store, so I guess there's some heavy-ish lifting there sometimes.

I think the lifting is for bruising reasons. I find that if I bruise, it's because I got a bad stick, or they didn't hit the vein quite right. Rarely happens, though.

As for cardio endurance, I won't say I notice it too much. I can normally push through and get it done. I'm a bit more tired overall for the next week or so, though. If it's long cardio, say more than a 10 mile run, I do start to feel it.

A lot of it depends on what I eat the day or two after. And a good nap the day of the donation, after the donation, seems to help as well.

But thanks for giving. People sure can use it!!
Nan