Why Consistent Exercise Is Crucial Even During Illness
When sickness strikes, many of us default to complete rest. While recovery certainly requires downtime, completely abandoning physical activity can lead to surprising consequences for your body. As one fitness enthusiast recently discovered, even a short break from regular exercise can result in muscle stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” they shared. “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 Struggle Is Real, But Worth It
Weight management presents a common challenge many face: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight.” The key to success lies in maintaining control over your body rather than letting momentary cravings dictate your choices.
“All you need to do is to push your body. Force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body. Control your mouth. When you feel like eating something unhealthy, you say no. Control your lungs. Control your belly. Control everything. And then force your body to move.”
Start Small and Build Gradually
You don't need to be a fitness professional to experience the benefits of regular exercise. The important thing is to begin somewhere and build consistency:
“We must not lift 100 pounds to achieve benefits. Just start by lifting 10 pounds or even 5 pounds! Little by little, we are going to be fine.”
This gradual approach applies to cardio exercise as well. As your fitness improves, you can slowly increase intensity: “When I lose weight I'll start running at speed ten, but because of my weight I would fall at that speed. I used to put up to seven before, even up to nine, but now I can do up to seven.”
The Reward of Persistence
The benefits of maintaining even a modest exercise routine become evident when returning after a break. After just a few days without activity, the difference is noticeable:
“If it was yesterday, I could not sustain this jogging for five minutes without stopping! Two days ago was the worst. But today I feel better. No more laying down, no more sickness, no more headache!”
Your Health Is Your Foundation
Perhaps the most important reminder is that physical wellness forms the foundation for all other life achievements:
“Your health is everything. When you are in good health, you can achieve it all! It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals. That is why we need to run, we need to exercise, anyhow we can.”
Even during periods of illness or low energy, finding ways to incorporate gentle movement can prevent the stiffness and pain that comes from complete inactivity. Listen to your body, start where you are, and remember that consistency matters more than intensity.
