The Importance of Consistent Exercise: My Journey Back to Fitness After Illness
When you've been feeling under the weather for a few days, getting back to your workout routine can be challenging. I recently experienced this firsthand when I felt sick for several days and stopped exercising completely. That decision didn't help my recovery at all—in fact, it made things worse.
After just a short break from physical activity, my body became stiff and uncomfortable. I tried stretching the back of my legs, but even my toes and nails seemed to hurt. The lack of exercise had taken a serious toll on my physical well-being.
Pushing Through the Discomfort
Despite still feeling some symptoms—headache, congestion, and neck pain—I knew I needed to get moving again. Even a short 20-minute workout can make a significant difference when recovering from illness. The body needs movement to heal properly.
What I've learned is that it's never about waiting until you feel 100% better. Sometimes you need to push your body a little to speed up the recovery process. Just a gentle jog or light activity can help restore your energy levels much faster than complete rest.
Taking Control of Your Health
One thing I've noticed is that it's “very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight.” This reality means we must be intentional about our fitness. You need to push your body and not let it control you.
Self-discipline extends beyond exercise to what we eat. As I often remind myself, you need to “control your mouth” and “control your belly.” When your body wants to indulge in unhealthy foods, you must sometimes say no and choose exercise instead.
Starting Small and Building Consistency
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. As I gradually returned to my jogging routine, I realized how quickly my stamina had decreased during my short illness break. Where I once could jog continuously for much longer, I now found myself getting tired more quickly.
The important lesson here is that you don't need to lift 100 pounds right away—start with 5 or 10 pounds if that's what your body can handle. “Little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Adjusting Your Workout Intensity
When using a treadmill or other equipment, be honest about your current capabilities. I once could run at speed level 7 or even 9, but now I need to be more conservative. The highest setting is 12, but attempting that at my current fitness level and weight would be dangerous.
This principle applies to all forms of exercise: challenge yourself, but know your limits. As your fitness improves, you can gradually increase the intensity.
The Ultimate Reward: Improved Health
As I pushed through my workout despite not feeling 100%, I could actually feel my energy returning. By the end of the session, I had burned nearly 200 calories and felt significantly better than when I started.
Remember, “your health is wealth.” When you're in good health, you can achieve your goals. It's only when you can't do certain physical activities that your broader life goals become harder to reach.
No matter how you're feeling today, find some way to move your body. Your future self will thank you for it.
