Consistency Is Key: How to Push Through Exercise When You're Not Feeling Your Best
We've all been there – feeling under the weather, lacking motivation, or just plain exhausted. But as many fitness enthusiasts know, sometimes the best remedy is to get moving again, even when your body is telling you to stay in bed.
After several days of illness and inactivity, the negative effects on the body become apparent. Without regular movement, muscles become stiff and painful, flexibility decreases, and overall energy levels plummet. This reality serves as a powerful reminder of why consistent exercise is so crucial for maintaining not just physical health, but mental wellbeing too.
The Consequences of Inactivity
Taking an extended break from exercise can lead to surprising discomfort. Even basic stretching becomes painful, with tight muscles in the legs, neck, and back. What was once easy movement becomes challenging, and the body feels foreign and restricted.
As one fitness enthusiast recently shared after returning from illness: “I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”
Mind Over Matter
The journey back to fitness after a break isn't easy, but it's necessary. The key is taking control of your body rather than letting your body control you. This mental shift is often the most challenging aspect of maintaining a consistent exercise routine.
The battle between what feels comfortable and what's necessary for health is constant. As the saying goes: “You control your body. Control your mouth. Control your cravings. Control everything. And then force your body to move. Force it. It's not easy. But you're gonna force it.”
Starting Small
The good news is that you don't need to jump back into your most intense workouts. Start with manageable goals:
- A short 5-minute jog
- Basic stretching
- Light weights instead of heavy lifting
“We must not be professional as well. We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. So if we cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Tracking Progress
Using metrics can help measure improvement and maintain motivation. Whether it's tracking minutes of continuous activity, calories burned, or speed on a treadmill, these numbers provide tangible evidence of progress.
For treadmill workouts specifically, gradually increasing speed as fitness improves can provide clear benchmarks. Starting at speeds of 2-3, working up to 5-7, and eventually reaching higher speeds of 9-12 as weight loss and fitness goals are achieved creates a progressive path forward.
The Reward of Consistency
The results of pushing through discomfort become evident quickly. Even after just one workout following illness, many notice improved energy levels, reduced symptoms, and a positive mental shift. What seemed impossible days before suddenly feels manageable.
“I'm sweating now. I was cold earlier, but now I'm sweating,” is the body's way of saying it's reactivating, detoxifying, and returning to normal functioning.
Final Thoughts
The road to fitness isn't always smooth. There will be setbacks, illnesses, and days when motivation is nowhere to be found. The difference between reaching goals and abandoning them often comes down to one simple principle: consistency through the challenging times.
By taking control of your body rather than being controlled by temporary discomfort, you create the foundation for lasting health and strength. Remember, it's not about perfection – it's about persistence.
