Why You Should Never Skip Exercise: A Reminder About Health and Consistency
After several days of feeling unwell and skipping my regular exercise routine, I was quickly reminded why consistency is so important for maintaining physical health. The consequences were immediate and uncomfortable: stiffness throughout my body, pain in my legs, neck tension, and even headaches.
This experience reinforced an important lesson for anyone on a fitness journey – taking extended breaks from physical activity can lead to surprising discomfort when you try to resume your routine.
The Importance of Pushing Through
Even when you don't feel 100%, sometimes a light workout can be beneficial. As I forced myself to get back on the treadmill despite still feeling under the weather, I could feel my energy slowly returning. The key is finding the right balance – pushing yourself enough to maintain conditioning without overexerting.
Remember this important principle: “Don't let your body control you. Control your body.” This applies not just to exercise but to nutrition as well. Control your cravings and make conscious choices rather than giving in to momentary desires.
Starting Small Is Better Than Not Starting
One of the biggest misconceptions about fitness is that you need to go all-out every time. The truth is, consistency matters more than intensity. As I reminded myself during this recovery workout: “We must not lift 100 pounds to be effective. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, or even 5 pounds. Little by little, we are going to be fine.”
This gradual approach is especially important when:
- Returning after illness
- Beginning a new fitness journey
- Recovering from injury
- Dealing with low energy or motivation
Listening To Your Body's Signals
During my recovery workout, I paid careful attention to how my body responded. I started with a simple jog, setting a reasonable pace on the treadmill. While I once could handle speed settings of 9 or 10, I recognized my current limitations required a more moderate approach.
This mindfulness about intensity is crucial. Your optimal workout level will change based on factors like:
- Current fitness level
- Weight and body composition
- Energy levels
- Recovery status
The Mental Benefits of Pushing Through
Beyond the physical aspects, there's an incredible mental boost that comes from overcoming the inertia of inactivity. As I got moving again, despite not feeling my best, I could feel my mood improving and energy returning.
“No more lying down. No more sickness. No more headache,” became my mantra. The psychological victory of choosing movement over rest (when appropriate) shouldn't be underestimated.
Final Thoughts
Your health truly is your wealth. When you're feeling good, it's easy to take your physical capabilities for granted. It's only when illness or injury limits your activities that you fully appreciate how precious good health is.
Remember that fitness is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks and days when motivation is low. The key is to keep moving forward with whatever capacity you have available at the moment.
Even a short, light workout is infinitely better than no workout at all. Your body will thank you for the consistency.
