When Can You Resume Sports and Gym After a Hair Transplant?
Heavy lifting and intense cardio can spike your blood pressure and cause grafts to pop out. Here is your definitive timeline for returning to the gym safely.
The Danger of Elevated Blood Pressure
For active individuals and fitness enthusiasts, taking time off from the gym is one of the most frustrating parts of the recovery process. However, jumping back into your routine too quickly is highly dangerous for your newly implanted grafts.
Why Do You Need to Rest?
When you perform strenuous exercises, your heart rate and blood pressure spike. In the first two weeks post-op, the grafts are still anchoring into the scalp. High blood pressure can literally cause the grafts to "pop" out of their incisions, accompanied by bleeding. Additionally, excessive sweating creates a damp environment on the scalp, increasing the risk of bacterial infection in the unhealed micro-wounds.
The Official Gym Timeline
Follow this phased approach to protect your results:
- Days 1 to 14: Strict Rest. Only light, leisurely walking is permitted. No sweating, no lifting.
- Days 15 to 30: Light Cardio. You can start jogging, cycling, or using the elliptical machine. Keep the intensity low to moderate. Continue to avoid heavy weightlifting.
- 1 Month Mark: Return to the Gym. You can resume weightlifting and intense cardio. However, still avoid contact sports (like boxing or rugby) or heading a football.
- 3 Months Mark: Full Clearance. You can return to all activities, including contact sports and swimming in pools/sea.