2. Introduction to movement

Hi I'm Sonia, a respiratory physiotherapist.

In this series of videos I'll be guiding you through some exercises to help build your physical strength and muscle after having COVID.

Before you start your exercises, make sure you wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in.

It’s also good to think about shoes, so wear something flat and comfortable for you.

If you have an inhaler, you must have this with you.

You may want to keep a bottle of water within easy reach.

If at any time you need to rest, please do so.

We’ll start with a warm up, then move on to some exercises, then have a cool down.

It’s important you remember to warm up and cool down, as this helps bring your heart rate up but also bring your heart rate down.

It’s important to exercise at a level that’s right for you, and this can change. If you’re not sure what level your exercise should be at, please speak to your GP or your physiotherapist if you have one.

When you’re exercising, stop if you get any of these sudden symptoms:

- Chest pain or chest tightness
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling sick
- Getting clammy or feeling really cold
- Feeling increasingly wheezy from your chest
- Getting sore joints or muscle weakness.

Get advice from your GP or healthcare professional if you get any of these symptoms. In an emergency call 999.

In the next video, we'll start warming up.