When to donate blood?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Heya Folks,

I used to donate blood regularly but have been out of the habit for quite a while. I'd like to change that.

What I'd like to know is this -

How long should I wait after a donation before doing my usual workout at the gym? I've not donated since I started my workout/diet program in March.

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You can do your aerobic workout within an hour or two, as long as you are keeping your volume up by drinking fluids, and are not dizzy. No weights of any kind, until the next day.

Get back into it-the world needs you!

I became a platelet donor (apheresis) donor this week, in addition to donating whole blood. You might want to consider that, too.;)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Long Term Care.

I donate fairly regularly and the main thing to do before working out after donating blood (and BEFORE donating blood) is to drink a TON of fluids. You're not supposed to lift anything heavy with the donor arm for 6 hours afterwards, so weight-lifting would be out for a while. I've exercised after donating, but I just take it a little easier and monitor myself a little more closely-- and DRINK and DRINK! Also, make sure you eat after donating to keep your energy up.

Happy donating, vettech! :)

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