How I Bounced Back After Sickness: The Importance of Consistent Exercise

We've all been there – feeling sick, lethargic, and completely unmotivated to exercise. But as I recently discovered, this is precisely when our bodies need movement the most. After several days of illness that left me feeling stiff, achy, and uncomfortable, I decided it was time to get moving again.

When I skipped my regular workouts during my illness, I quickly noticed the negative effects. My body became stiff, stretching became painful, and even the simplest movements caused discomfort in my legs, neck, and back. This was a powerful reminder that consistent exercise isn't just about weight management – it's essential for maintaining basic mobility and comfort.

The Challenge of Getting Started Again

Starting again after a break isn't easy. Yesterday, I couldn't even maintain a light jog for five minutes without stopping. Today, I can already see improvement as my energy levels begin to return. This quick progress reinforces an important lesson: our bodies respond rapidly to consistent effort.

Mind Over Matter

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a fitness routine is developing mental discipline. As I reminded myself during my workout: “It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is push your body. Don't let your body control you – you control your body.”

This means:

• Controlling your eating habits when temptation strikes
• Forcing yourself to move even when you don't feel like it
• Pushing through initial discomfort to reach your fitness goals

Start Where You Are

You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. As I mentioned during my recovery workout, “You don't need to lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Start little by little.”

The same principle applies to cardio exercise. I'm currently using a treadmill that tracks my speed, calories, and steps. Before getting sick, I could maintain a speed setting of 7, and previously even reached 9. My goal is to eventually reach 10, but I know that pushing too hard too soon could lead to injury.

The Rewards of Consistency

By the end of my short 20-minute workout, I had burned nearly 200 calories and, more importantly, could feel my energy returning. The headache and congestion that had plagued me were beginning to subside, replaced by the natural endorphins from exercise.

When we're sick or tired, exercise is often the last thing we want to do. However, it's precisely during these times that gentle, appropriate movement can have the most profound impact on our recovery and overall wellbeing.

Remember: Good health enables achievement. When we're physically well, we're better positioned to pursue our goals and live our best lives. So the next time you're tempted to skip a workout, remember that even a short, gentle session can make a significant difference in how you feel.