SELF: 6 things you should know about exercise and the COVID-19 vaccines
UC expert says light arm workouts after getting vaccinated could help with arm soreness
The United States has finally gotten to the point where everyone 16 years and older is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. While it's clear they offer great protection against COVID-19, some people may still have some questions about how vaccines affect everyday life, including exercise. In an article published by SELF, Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the UC College of Medicine was one of the experts cited on how workout routines might be impacted by COVID-19 vaccines.
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases/Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
Fichtenbaum said individual reactions to the vaccine can be as disparate as a symphony is from a grunge festival, ranging from no reaction at all to being stuck in bed with flu-like symptoms for a few days as your body builds up protection to this dangerous virus.
These potential reactions are simply a byproduct of how vaccines work: Vaccines contain foreign substances called antigens specific to the infection you’re trying to prevent, Fichtenbaum says. In an attempt to banish the antigen “invaders,” your immune system springs into action, releasing white blood cells and other tools. It’s this immune response that can make you feel a little icky in the hours or days following your vaccine.
Fichtenbaum also said a light workout for your arms and shoulders can help get your blood circulating, which may help arm soreness. He added that going for a personal best on strength training moves like shoulder presses, lateral raises, or dips and targeting your deltoids or triceps in particular with too much weight can exacerbate discomfort from the shot.
Lead photo/Joe Fuqua/UC Creative + Brand
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
UC scientists use advanced microscopy to reveal key protein...
June 13, 2025
Research from University of Cincinnati structural biologists has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They used cryogenic electron microscopy to see two key protein structures in the body for the first time.
This provision could ban AI regulation for 10 years
June 12, 2025
The proposed “big beautiful bill” has a provision that would ban states from enforcing regulation on artificial intelligence models and systems for 10 years. The legal implications of the bill’s moratorium on AI regulation are a source of confusion across the political spectrum. Cincinnati Edition on WVXU recently spoke with director of UC’s Applied AI Lab Jeffrey Shaffer for insight on what the provision could mean at the crossroads of innovation and safety.
New facility 'changes the game' for UC Athletics
June 12, 2025
The University of Cincinnati cut the ribbon on the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Athletics Performance Center, culminating a two-year construction process for the $134-million, 210,000-square-foot complex that will redefine the student-athlete experience at UC.