Why Consistency in Exercise Matters: A Personal Recovery Journey
When it comes to fitness, consistency is key. After taking some time off due to illness, I discovered firsthand how quickly our bodies can become stiff and uncomfortable when we stop moving regularly.
During my recent bout with sickness, I experienced headaches, nasal congestion, and overall discomfort. What made it worse was the stiffness in my body from lack of movement. Even simple stretches became painful – from my legs to my toes, everything hurt due to the sudden inactivity.
This experience serves as a powerful reminder of why regular exercise matters for overall wellbeing. Our bodies are designed to move, and when we stop, we feel the consequences quickly.
Taking Back Control
One of the most important aspects of fitness is understanding that you must control your body, not let your body control you. This applies to everything from what we eat to how we move:
- Control your mouth – make conscious food choices
- Control your belly – practice portion control
- Force your body to move – even when it's difficult
It's not easy, especially when you're recovering from illness, but forcing yourself to get moving again is essential for regaining energy and strength.
Starting Where You Are
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. As I experienced during my recovery, you start where you are:
“We must not be professional… We must not lift 100 pounds! Just start by lifting 10 pounds! I cannot lift 10 pounds! Just little by little, we are going to be fine!”
This progressive approach is crucial. During my recovery workout, I couldn't use the highest settings on my treadmill like I used to. Before getting sick, I could run at level 7 comfortably, and had previously managed level 9. But during recovery, I had to dial it back significantly.
The Benefits of Pushing Through
Despite feeling weak at first, I pushed myself to jog for a short session. The benefits were immediate:
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced headache symptoms
- Began sweating (a sign the body is functioning properly again)
- Burned nearly 200 calories
- Improved mood and outlook
By the end of just one short workout, I could already feel my energy returning. This illustrates how quickly our bodies can respond positively to movement, even when we're not at 100%.
Your Health Is Your Foundation
Remember this important truth: “When you are in good health, you can achieve all! It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals!”
Your physical wellbeing forms the foundation for everything else in life. By maintaining a consistent exercise routine, even through simple activities like jogging or basic strength training, you're investing in your ability to pursue all your other goals and dreams.
The next time you feel like skipping a workout, remember how quickly your body can lose conditioning, and how good it feels to maintain that strength and flexibility through regular movement.
