The Importance of Consistency in Exercise: Bouncing Back After Illness

Maintaining a consistent exercise routine can be challenging, especially when illness strikes. After being sick for several days without exercising, the body quickly becomes stiff and uncomfortable. This experience reminds us just how important regular movement is for our overall wellbeing.

When we stop exercising, even for a short period, our bodies respond negatively. Muscles tighten, joints become less flexible, and everyday movements can become painful. As one fitness enthusiast discovered, “I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised… That did not help me at all. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”

Getting Back on Track

Returning to exercise after illness requires patience and determination. Start with gentle movements to reawaken your body before attempting more strenuous workouts. Even a short 20-minute session can help restore energy levels and improve how you feel.

The key is to push through the initial discomfort: “It is very hard to dress and exercise. But very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight. I need to push my body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body.”

Building Mental Strength

Exercise is as much about mental discipline as physical ability. The ability to control impulses and push through discomfort builds mental resilience that extends beyond your workout routine.

“Control your mouth. That's why when you feel like eating something unhealthy, you say no. I will not eat today. I will exercise. Just go ahead. Control your mouth. Control your belly.”

Progressive Improvement

You don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit from regular exercise. The most important thing is consistency and gradual progression:

“Your health is wealth. When you are in good health, you can achieve all! It's only when you are unwell that you cannot achieve your goals. That is why we need to run, we need to exercise anyhow we can. We must not be professional. You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Little by little, we are going to be fine.”

Adapting to Your Fitness Level

Understanding your current fitness level helps prevent injury and build sustainable habits. For example, on a treadmill, beginners might start at lower speeds (2-3) while more advanced runners might use higher settings (7-10).

Remember that everyone has different capabilities based on their current fitness level, weight, and health status. What matters is finding the right challenge for your body today, not comparing yourself to others or even to your past self.

The Reward of Consistency

The satisfaction of seeing improvement is one of the greatest motivators for continued exercise. Tracking metrics like time, calories burned, or distance covered provides tangible evidence of your progress.

Even when returning from illness, you may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. The body responds quickly to resumed activity, and each session builds upon the last.

By committing to regular exercise, even short sessions when recovering from illness, you maintain the foundation of health that supports every other aspect of your life.