Medical experts are still learning about the short- and long-term effects of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the body, including cardiac problems and lung damage. If you’ve recovered from the disease but are still experiencing aftereffects, experts advise that you speak with your doctor to be cleared before returning to exercise.

Dennis A. Cardone, DO, sports health expert and associate professor in the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics, tells Healthline that his recommendation for people returning to activity after a long-term illness or injury isn’t so different from that for people returning to activity after a sedentary period: phase in fitness gradually.

“Start out doing just a small percentage of where you normally would be. By 4 weeks or so, gradually work your way to 100 percent of your exercise capacity,” says Dr. Cardone.

Read more from Healthline.