How Exercise Helps Recovery: Pushing Through Sickness to Regain Energy
When illness strikes, our first instinct is often to rest completely. While rest is crucial, complete inactivity can sometimes lead to stiffness, muscle soreness, and even prolong recovery time. This was the exact experience shared during a recent workout session – after several days of feeling sick and avoiding exercise, the body began to protest with stiffness and pain.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system. That did not help me at all. Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”
The Importance of Gentle Movement During Recovery
While it's important not to push too hard when sick, gentle movement can actually aid recovery by improving circulation, reducing muscle stiffness, and boosting mood. Even a short 20-minute session can make a significant difference in how you feel both mentally and physically.
The key is listening to your body and gradually reintroducing activity. As demonstrated in this session, starting with light jogging was enough to begin noticing improvements: “My energy level is coming back.”
Mind Over Matter: Taking Control of Your Health
One of the most powerful insights shared was about the mental aspect of fitness and health: “It is very hard to lose weight, very easy to gain weight. You need to push your body. You force it. Don't let your body control you – you control your body.”
This mindset applies not only to weight management but to overall health decisions:
- Control what you eat
- Force yourself to move when you don't feel like it
- Push through minor discomforts to achieve greater health
The message is clear: “Just go ahead, control your mouth. Control your belly. Control everything. And then force your body to move. Force it. It's not easy. But you're gonna force it.”
Starting Small: The Progressive Approach
Perhaps the most encouraging message for beginners or those returning after illness is that you don't need to start with intense workouts: “We must not be professional… you must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds… just little by little we are going to be fine.”
This progressive approach applies to cardio training as well. As shared during the jogging session, starting at a comfortable speed (level 7 in this case) is perfectly acceptable, with the understanding that over time, your capacity will increase.
Consistency is Key
The transformation from feeling sick and lethargic to experiencing renewed energy didn't happen overnight. It took consistent effort: “No more lying down, no more sickness, no more headache. I'm back!”
This experience serves as a powerful reminder that our health is our most valuable asset. As noted during the session: “Your health is what you are. In good health, you can achieve [your goals]. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
By incorporating even small amounts of movement into your daily routine – whether during recovery from illness or as part of your normal life – you're investing in your ability to pursue all your other goals and aspirations.
