The Power of Consistency: Overcoming Sickness and Getting Back to Fitness

When illness strikes, it's easy to let our fitness routines fall by the wayside. But as many seasoned fitness enthusiasts know, those periods of inactivity can quickly lead to stiffness, discomfort, and a challenging road back to wellness.

After being sick for several days without exercising, one fitness enthusiast experienced firsthand how quickly the body can respond negatively to inactivity. “I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise,” they shared during a recent workout session.

The Importance of Pushing Through

Even while still recovering from symptoms like headaches and congestion, getting the body moving again proved to be crucial for recovery. The workout didn't need to be intense – just 20 minutes of light cardio was enough to start feeling the benefits.

“No more laying down. I got up. And I shake my body. No more laying down. No more sickness. No more headache,” they declared, demonstrating the positive mindset needed to overcome physical challenges.

Weight Management Requires Discipline

A key insight shared during the session was the fundamental truth about weight management: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you.”

This approach highlights an important principle in fitness: self-control and discipline are essential components of any successful fitness journey.

“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. Control your body,” they emphasized.

Start Where You Are

One of the most encouraging messages for home fitness enthusiasts is that you don't need to be a professional or lift heavy weights to make progress. “We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds. So we cannot lift 10 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”

This gradual approach is particularly important when returning to exercise after illness. Working within your current capabilities while slowly pushing your limits ensures steady progress without risking injury or setbacks.

Adapting to Your Fitness Level

When using cardio equipment like a treadmill, it's important to adjust settings appropriate to your fitness level. As mentioned during the workout, higher speeds (like levels 10-12) aren't suitable for everyone, especially those carrying extra weight.

“If I put it now, I will fall. If I put 10, I will fall. Because of my weight. But I used to put seven, I used to put up to seven before, I used to put up to nine.”

This honest assessment demonstrates the importance of working at an appropriate intensity for your current fitness level – not where you were in the past or where you aspire to be in the future.

The Joy of Progress

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of returning to exercise after illness is seeing rapid improvements. “Yesterday, I cannot sustain this jogging for five minutes. No stop five minutes jogging.”

Yet just a day later, the improvement was noticeable, with the ability to jog longer and burn nearly 200 calories in a single short session. These quick wins provide the motivation to keep going and rebuild fitness one workout at a time.

Remember, consistency is key to any fitness journey. When illness or other interruptions occur, the most important thing is to gently return to activity as soon as your body allows. Your health truly is your wealth – and regular exercise is one of the best investments you can make.