Why You Shouldn't Skip Exercise When You're Sick: A Personal Recovery Story
Being consistent with exercise is one of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When illness strikes, it becomes even more difficult to stay on track. However, as one fitness enthusiast recently discovered, completely abandoning physical activity during illness can sometimes make recovery more difficult.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for myself. That did not help me at all,” they explained during a workout session. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my knees, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”
The Importance of Movement During Recovery
While it's important to rest when your body is fighting illness, complete inactivity can lead to muscle stiffness, decreased mobility, and even prolonged recovery in some cases. Light movement, when appropriate, can help maintain flexibility and boost circulation.
“No more laying down. I got up. I'm dying. I shake my body. No more lying down. No more sickness. No more headache,” they shared, describing their return to activity after feeling better.
Building Back Gradually
The key to resuming exercise after illness is taking it slowly. In this case, a short 20-minute workout was enough to start rebuilding strength and endurance. Even at reduced intensity, the benefits of movement were immediately apparent.
“Yesterday I could not sustain jogging for five minutes without stopping. Today is better,” they noted, highlighting how quickly the body can begin to respond to renewed activity.
Mental Benefits of Exercise
Beyond the physical benefits, returning to exercise also provided mental clarity and a sense of accomplishment. The psychological boost from overcoming the inertia of illness can be just as valuable as the physical benefits.
“Your health is wealth. When you are in good health, you can achieve your goals. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals. That's why we need to run. We need to exercise.”
Start Where You Are
Perhaps the most important takeaway is that fitness doesn't require perfection or professional-level performance. The journey back to health begins with simple steps.
“We must not be professional athletes. We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds or 5 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Listening To Your Body
While pushing through minor discomfort can be beneficial, it's crucial to recognize when your body truly needs rest. The workout described was intentionally short and moderate in intensity, allowing for movement without overwhelming a recovering body.
“I want to wake up my body today,” they explained, choosing an appropriate intensity level on their treadmill. “I'm sweating now. I was cold before, but now I'm sweating.”
Taking Control
Perhaps the most powerful message was about taking control of your health journey: “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. You control your body.”
Whether you're recovering from illness or simply trying to establish a consistent exercise routine, this mindset of gentle but determined persistence can make all the difference in achieving your fitness goals.
