Why You Need to Keep Moving Even When You Don't Feel Like It
Getting back into exercise after being sick can be a challenge, but the consequences of prolonged inactivity are often worse than pushing through discomfort. That's the lesson I learned after several days of feeling under the weather and skipping my workouts.
The lack of movement left my body stiff and achy. I tried stretching the back of my legs, but everything from my calves to my toes was painful. This experience reinforced an important truth about fitness: our bodies are designed to move, and they protest when we don't use them.
The Harsh Reality of Fitness
One thing became abundantly clear during my return to exercise: it's very hard to lose weight but incredibly easy to gain it. This asymmetry is one of the most frustrating aspects of fitness, but understanding it can help motivate consistent effort.
The key is learning to control your body rather than letting it control you. This means:
- Controlling your mouth and food intake
- Pushing your body when it wants to rest
- Saying no to cravings
- Forcing movement even when it's difficult
Starting Small is Better Than Not Starting
You don't need to be a professional athlete or lift hundreds of pounds to benefit from exercise. Starting with what you can manage—whether that's jogging for just a few minutes or lifting 5-pound weights—creates momentum that builds over time.
When returning to exercise after illness, it's particularly important to ease back in. Listen to your body while still challenging it appropriately. Start with lower intensity and shorter duration, then gradually increase as your strength and stamina return.
The Treadmill: A Great Tool for Comeback Workouts
Treadmills offer excellent control over workout intensity through adjustable settings:
- Speed: Begin with a comfortable pace (levels 2-3) before progressing to more challenging speeds (5-7)
- Incline: Add resistance gradually as fitness improves
- Time/Calories: Set achievable targets (like 200 calories) to track progress
The highest settings (10-12) should be approached with caution, especially if you're carrying extra weight or recovering from illness. There's no shame in using lower settings—the important thing is that you're moving.
The Reward of Persistence
Even in a short workout, you'll likely notice improvements in how you feel. What starts as discomfort often transforms into energy as your body warms up and endorphins begin flowing. That transition from feeling sick and stiff to energized and sweaty is one of the most rewarding aspects of staying committed to fitness.
Remember that health is foundational to achieving your goals in all areas of life. When you're physically well, you're better positioned to pursue your ambitions and live fully. This makes the effort of regular exercise worthwhile, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing.
