The Importance of Consistent Exercise: My Journey Back After Illness
We've all been there – feeling sick, skipping workouts, and then facing the stiffness and discomfort that follows. After several days of illness that left me unable to exercise, I experienced firsthand how quickly our bodies can lose mobility and comfort when we stop moving.
During my recent bout of illness, my entire body became stiff and painful. Even basic stretches caused discomfort in my legs, back, and toes. This experience was a powerful reminder of how crucial regular exercise is for maintaining not just strength, but basic comfort and mobility.
The Challenge of Getting Back to Exercise
The hardest part of returning to fitness after a break is taking that first step. As I started my workout, I could feel the difference in my energy levels compared to just days before. What would have been an easy 5-minute jog before my illness felt challenging, but I persisted.
This is the reality of fitness – it's much harder to lose weight than to gain it, and consistency is key. The good news is that our bodies respond quickly when we return to regular movement.
Mind Over Matter: Controlling Your Fitness Journey
One of the most important aspects of maintaining fitness is developing mental discipline. As I often remind myself, we need to control our bodies rather than letting our bodies control us. This means:
- Controlling what we eat (saying no to that shawarma when necessary)
- Forcing ourselves to move even when we don't feel like it
- Starting small but staying consistent
You don't need to lift 100 pounds – start with 5 or 10 pounds and build from there. The key is to begin somewhere and keep going.
The Joy of Returning to Movement
As my workout progressed, I could feel my energy returning. The cold feeling that had plagued me during illness gave way to healthy sweat. My body was remembering what it feels like to be active.
This is why I'm passionate about sharing my fitness journey. When we're in good health, we sometimes take for granted our ability to move and achieve our goals. It's only when illness or injury prevents us from our normal activities that we truly appreciate the gift of movement.
Finding Your Pace
During my comeback workout, I had to be mindful of my limits. Just as I've learned with my treadmill training, everyone has their own speed settings. Before my illness, I could handle higher speeds (level 7-9), but now I needed to dial it back. This isn't failure – it's smart training.
Remember that fitness is personal. Some days you'll run at speed level 3, other days at level 7. The important thing is that you're moving consistently and listening to your body.
The Bottom Line
If there's one thing I've learned through this experience, it's that consistent movement is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Even a short 20-minute workout can make a tremendous difference in how you feel.
Don't wait until you're sick to appreciate the importance of regular exercise. Start where you are, use what you have, and build from there. Your future self will thank you for it.
