Why Regular Exercise Is Crucial Even When You're Feeling Sick
After several days of feeling sick and avoiding exercise, I experienced firsthand how quickly the body can stiffen and deteriorate. Despite dealing with neck pain, headaches, and congestion, I decided it was time to get moving again. This short 20-minute workout proved to be exactly what my body needed to start recovering.
The consequences of neglecting physical activity were immediately apparent. My entire body felt stiff – the back of my legs, my muscles, even my toes caused me pain. This discomfort was a powerful reminder that our bodies are designed to move, and extended periods of inactivity can lead to surprising levels of discomfort.
The Challenge of Exercise vs. Weight Gain
One truth about fitness became abundantly clear during this workout: it's very hard to exercise consistently but incredibly easy to gain weight. Losing weight requires discipline and effort, while gaining it seems to happen with minimal effort.
The key is developing body control. Instead of letting your body dictate your choices, you must learn to control your impulses:
- Control your mouth
- Control your belly
- Control your cravings
When you feel like eating that shawarma, you need the strength to say, “No, I will exercise instead.” It's about forcing your body to move, even when it resists. This isn't easy, but it's necessary.
Building Back Gradually
Recovery is a process. Just a couple days ago, I couldn't sustain even five minutes of jogging. Yesterday was slightly better, and today I can feel my energy returning more substantially.
The important thing to remember is that you don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit from exercise. You don't need to lift 100 pounds – start with 5 or 10 pounds. Progress happens little by little, and consistency matters more than intensity.
Adjusting Intensity to Your Current Fitness Level
When using exercise equipment like a treadmill, it's crucial to adjust the settings to your current capabilities. The speed settings range from 1 (walking) to 12 (maximum), but you should never push beyond what's safe for your current fitness level.
I used to comfortably run at speeds of 7-9, but currently I'm working at lower settings. As I lose weight and build strength, I'll gradually increase back to higher speeds. Pushing too hard too fast (like immediately trying speed 10) could result in falling and injury.
The Rewards of Persistence
Even within a single workout, the benefits become apparent. What started as feeling cold and lethargic transformed into productive sweating and increased energy. By the end of just 20 minutes, I'd burned nearly 200 calories and could feel my vitality returning.
Your health is your foundation. When you're in good health, you can achieve your goals, but when your body isn't functioning properly, those same goals become much harder to reach. This is why we must prioritize movement and exercise however we can.
Remember that consistency trumps perfection. A short, imperfect workout is infinitely better than no workout at all. Keep moving, even when it's difficult – especially when it's difficult – and your body will thank you.
