Friday, 20 February 2026

Rebuilding After “Superflu”: Restoring Stamina, Strength and Well-Being

A tough bout of flu, or something more serious such as some strains of COVID-19, can leave you feeling drained long after the fever fades. 

Fatigue, weakness and breathlessness are common. The key to recovery is gradual progress, good nutrition and sensible exercise.

Start Slowly

Before structured workouts, begin with:

Gentle stretching

Short walks around the house

Light mobility work

Slow, steady breathing exercises

If symptoms worsen the next day, ease back. Recovery should feel progressive, not punishing.

Using a Home Treadmill Wisely

A treadmill offers controlled, weather-proof exercise, ideal for rebuilding stamina steadily.

Weeks 1–2

5–15 minutes walking

Flat incline

Comfortable, conversational pace

Weeks 3–4 (if symptom-free)

Extend to 20 minutes

Add short brisk intervals

Avoid rushing into running

Monitor breathlessness and next-day fatigue. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Rebuild Basic Strength

Illness reduces muscle mass quickly. Start small:

Bodyweight squats

Wall push-ups

Resistance band exercises

Two short sessions weekly is enough at first. Rest between sessions.

Nutrition for Recovery

Focus on:

Protein (eggs, fish, beans)

Wholegrains for energy

Healthy fats such as olive oil

Hydration

Small, regular meals can help if appetite is low.

Supplements: Keep It Sensible

Some people consider:

Vitamin D (especially in the UK winter)

Vitamin C and zinc

Magnesium

Omega-3

Avoid high doses and check with a GP or pharmacist if unsure.

Don’t Neglect Sleep

Quality sleep supports immune repair and muscle recovery. Keep a regular bedtime and limit late-night screen use.

When to Seek Advice

Consult a professional if you experience:

Ongoing chest pain

Severe breathlessness

Heart palpitations

Extreme fatigue lasting months

Final Thoughts

Recovery from “superflu” isn’t about pushing hard, it’s about rebuilding steadily. Gentle treadmill walking, basic strength work, balanced meals and sensible supplementation can help you regain stamina safely.

Progress may be gradual, but it will come.

No comments:

Post a Comment