Overcoming Sickness Through Exercise: Why Movement Is Essential Even When You Don't Feel Like It
After several days of feeling under the weather, I've learned an important lesson about fitness and health. Being sedentary when sick might seem like the logical choice, but it can actually make things worse. Not exercising left my body stiff and in pain. When I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my knees, and my toes hurt – all because of a lack of movement.
This experience reinforced something we all know but often forget: it's very hard to lose weight but incredibly easy to gain it. The key to fitness success isn't about waiting until you feel motivated – it's about control. You must control your body rather than letting it control you. Control your mouth, control your eating habits, and force your body to move even when it feels difficult.
The Importance of Consistency
After taking time off due to illness, I noticed a significant decline in my endurance. Activities that were once manageable, like jogging for more than five minutes, became challenging. This is a clear reminder that fitness is not permanent – it requires consistent effort and maintenance.
Your health is your wealth. When you're in good health, age becomes just a number. It's only when you can't perform certain activities that you feel limited in achieving your goals. This is why we need to stay active through running, jogging, or any form of exercise available to us.
Start Where You Are
You don't need to be a professional or lift extremely heavy weights to benefit from exercise. If you can't lift 100 or 200 pounds, start with just 5 or 10 pounds. Progress happens gradually – little by little, you'll get stronger and more capable.
Even on the treadmill, I've had to adjust my expectations. While I used to run at higher speeds (up to 9), my current fitness level limits me to around 7. The highest setting is 12, and I know that attempting 10 at my current weight would be dangerous. But that's okay – I recognize my limitations and work within them while still challenging myself.
The Reward of Persistence
Despite feeling ill, getting up and moving has already improved my condition. The energy is coming back, and I'm starting to feel like myself again. In just one short workout, I've managed to burn nearly 200 calories and shake off the lingering effects of being sedentary.
This serves as an important reminder that our bodies are designed to move. When we honor that design, even when it's difficult, we're rewarded with increased energy, improved mood, and better overall health.
No matter where you are in your fitness journey, remember that consistency trumps intensity. Show up for yourself daily, even if it's just for a few minutes, and you'll be amazed at how your body responds.
