Giving blood and working out

[Savageheart73]

Basically, I have hemochromatosis which causes iron to absorb at a much higher rate than others. Iron can build up in my organs, joints, and such and kill me. The only "treatment" is to bleed, therefore, I donate blood to stay healthy.

After my back injury a few years ago, I kind've let everything go. Now Dr. says make changes or die early. So I am back in the gym and gave blood for the first time in about 9-10 months.

I gave Friday 2/12/10, I took off Saturday and Sunday and hit the weights Monday and Tuesday. I was really lagging behind in strength and energy. Normally I would be a guy to answer this for someone but being out of doing the two together for so long, I have forgotten how my body reacts to this.

So for any of you who give blood and workout, how long does it take you to get back to your peak performance level? Any tricks other than maybe increased calorie intake for a day or two?

[Legbuh]

I started giving blood a few months ago just for an "oil change" and slightly high RBC count. You should be ready to workout out within 48 hours after giving blood, no problem. Worry more about hydration after giving blood.

[JHart666]

Gave blood Jan 30 this year and was back in the gym two days later, had some soreness still, so avoided curls, and bending motions with my left arm. I was still slightly weaker but I focused on eating right and extra fluids the 2 days before so it wasn't too bad.