The Importance of Consistency in Exercise: Coming Back After Illness
Taking a break from exercise due to illness can quickly remind us how important regular physical activity is for our overall wellbeing. After just a few days without movement, our bodies can become stiff, achy, and generally uncomfortable – a powerful reminder of why consistency matters in fitness.
When you're feeling under the weather, your body naturally craves rest. However, extended periods of inactivity can lead to surprising discomfort. As one fitness enthusiast recently discovered, “I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system. 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 ankles, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”
Getting Back on Track
The path back to regular exercise after illness should be gradual but determined. Even when not feeling 100%, a light workout can help restore energy levels and reduce the stiffness that comes from inactivity. Starting with just 20 minutes of light cardio can make a significant difference in how you feel.
While recovery is important, finding the balance between rest and movement is key. As you begin to feel better, reintroducing exercise can actually accelerate your return to full health, boosting circulation and clearing congestion.
Mind Over Matter
Exercise requires mental discipline as much as physical ability. The challenge often lies not in our physical limitations but in our mindset. “It is very hard to exercise, but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight, very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is to push your body, you force it. Don't let your body control you, control your body, control your mouth.”
This mental fortitude becomes even more important when returning from illness. Your body might resist at first, but gentle persistence pays off as energy levels begin to rebuild.
Starting Small
You don't need to jump straight back into your pre-illness routine. The key is to start with manageable exercise that gently challenges your body without overwhelming it:
- Begin with light cardio like walking or slow jogging
- Focus on stretching to combat stiffness
- Reduce intensity and duration of your normal workouts
- Listen to your body and increase gradually
As one recoverer noted, “You must not lift 100 pounds, just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Adjusting Your Expectations
When returning to exercise after illness, you may need to temporarily adjust speed, intensity, and duration. For instance, if you normally run at a high speed on the treadmill, reduce it to a comfortable pace that challenges you without exhaustion.
The important thing is consistency – getting back into the routine of regular movement, even if modified. Your previous fitness levels will return more quickly if you maintain some form of activity rather than remaining completely sedentary.
The Reward of Persistence
The feeling of energy returning after illness is remarkably rewarding. As strength builds back up and symptoms fade, that first good workout can feel like a victory. “I am so happy. My energy level is coming back. I am so happy.”
This positive reinforcement helps rebuild the exercise habit and reminds us why regular physical activity is worth the effort – not just for physical appearance, but for how it makes us feel on a daily basis.
Conclusion
Your health is your most valuable asset. When illness strikes, it becomes all too apparent how much we rely on our physical wellbeing to achieve other goals in life. Maintaining fitness through consistent exercise provides a buffer against illness and speeds recovery when sickness does occur.
Remember that fitness is not about perfection but persistence. Even professional athletes modify their routines when recovering from illness. The key is to keep moving forward, however slowly, knowing that each step brings you closer to feeling your best again.
