The Power of Consistency: How Exercise Fights Off Sickness and Restores Energy

We've all been there – feeling under the weather, lacking energy, and tempted to skip our workout routines. But as one fitness enthusiast recently discovered, avoiding exercise during illness can sometimes make things worse.

“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and that did not help me at all,” she shares. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my ankles, my toes – everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”

Getting Back on Track

Despite still experiencing symptoms – “I still feel it in my neck, my head is aching, my nose is growing” – she made the decision to push through and get moving again. This determination highlights an important principle in fitness: consistency matters, even when we don't feel our best.

Sometimes a gentle workout can actually help alleviate symptoms of certain illnesses by increasing circulation, reducing stiffness, and releasing endorphins that improve mood and energy levels.

Mind Over Matter

The mental aspect of fitness cannot be overstated. As our fitness enthusiast points out, it's about taking control: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you – you control your body.”

This mind-over-matter approach extends to nutrition as well: “Control your mouth. That's why when you feel like eating a snack, you say, ‘No, I will not eat today. I will exercise instead.' Just go ahead. Control your mouth. Control your belly.”

Start Where You Are

Perhaps the most important takeaway is that fitness doesn't require perfection or professional-level performance. “We must not lift 100 pounds to be fit. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds. Some people cannot lift 10 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”

This progressive approach to fitness is scientifically sound. Studies consistently show that even small amounts of regular physical activity provide significant health benefits, and gradually increasing intensity leads to sustainable results.

Tracking Progress

Using equipment with tracking features can help monitor your progress. Whether you're using a treadmill with calorie counters and speed settings or simply timing your workouts, these metrics provide valuable feedback.

Our fitness enthusiast noted that when she was at a lower weight, she could run at higher speeds (up to 9 or 10 on her treadmill), but currently stays around 7 due to her current fitness level. This kind of self-awareness and adaptation is crucial for safe, effective exercise.

The Reward of Perseverance

By the end of her workout, the transformation was clear: “I was cold earlier, but now I am sweating. My energy level is coming back. I am feeling good.”

This immediate mood boost demonstrates how quickly exercise can impact our mental state and energy levels, even when starting from a place of fatigue or illness.

The next time you're feeling under the weather or lacking motivation, remember that sometimes the best remedy is gentle, consistent movement. Your body – and mind – will thank you.