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COVID-19 has drastically changed our lives over the past 2 years — from the way we interact with other people to the way we work. It has even changed the way we exercise: The digital fitness boom has made exercise more accessible than ever.

These days, the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine is helping us get back some sense of normalcy in daily life. For many people, that means going back to the gym or pool. But, as with any kind of new treatment, people naturally have questions.

Whether you work out at home or in a public space, you may be wondering if you can exercise after getting the vaccine, how soon you can get back to it, and how much you can do. We’ve got the answers for you below.

Is it safe to exercise after the COVID vaccine?

The short answer is, most often, yes. No research has shown that it’s harmful to exercise after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The only safety considerations depend on your body’s reaction to the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following common vaccine side effects (1Trusted Source):

pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site

fatigue

headache

muscle pain

chills

fever

nausea

The CDC actually recommends exercising your arm to help reduce discomfort at the injection site (1Trusted Source).

Exercise after the first injection may not be much of an issue if your side effects are minimal.

A 2021 New England Journal of Medicine study notes that side effects may be more intense after the second shot than the first. However, it does not mention any danger as a result of exercising (2).-Healthline