The Importance of Consistency in Exercise – Even When You're Sick
When illness strikes, our fitness routines often become the first casualty. However, as many experienced fitness enthusiasts know, getting back to exercise after even a short break can be surprisingly difficult. Your body quickly loses conditioning, and what once felt manageable suddenly becomes challenging again.
This reality was recently demonstrated by one determined exerciser who shared her experience of returning to workouts after feeling sick for several days. The impact of just a brief hiatus from physical activity was immediately noticeable – stiffness throughout her body, pain in her legs, and even discomfort in her toes and nails from lack of movement.
The Struggle of Getting Back on Track
“It is very hard to dress nice but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight, very easy to gain weight,” she observed during her workout. This simple but profound truth resonates with anyone who has struggled with fitness consistency.
The key insight from her experience? You must control your body rather than letting your body control you. This means pushing through the initial discomfort of returning to exercise and making conscious choices about nutrition even when cravings hit.
Small Steps Lead to Big Results
What's particularly encouraging about this fitness journey is the emphasis on starting where you are. “We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds… just little by little, we are going to be fine,” she advised.
This approach applies to cardio as well. Rather than attempting to run at high speeds immediately, she demonstrated adjusting treadmill settings to match current fitness levels. While she once could handle speeds of 9 or 10, she now works at a more moderate 7, acknowledging her current capabilities while still challenging herself.
Health as the Foundation for Achievement
Perhaps the most valuable perspective offered is understanding how fundamental health is to all other achievements. “Your health is what? When you are in good health, you can achieve all. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This connection between physical wellness and life accomplishments provides powerful motivation to maintain consistency with exercise routines – even when it's tempting to skip workouts.
The Resilience Factor
Despite not feeling completely recovered – mentioning headaches and congestion – the determination to move forward with a workout demonstrates the mental toughness required for long-term fitness success. By the end of the 20-minute session, she had burned nearly 200 calories and could feel her energy levels returning.
For home gym enthusiasts, this serves as an important reminder: consistency often matters more than intensity. Even a shorter, less intense workout helps maintain the exercise habit and prevents the backsliding that can occur during longer breaks.
Building Your Comeback Strategy
If you're returning to exercise after illness or a break, consider these approaches:
- Start with a shorter duration than normal
- Reduce intensity to match your current energy levels
- Focus on movement rather than performance
- Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust accordingly
- Celebrate the win of simply showing up
Remember that fitness is ultimately about the long game. Each time you return to exercise after a setback, you build not just physical strength but the mental resilience that sustains lifelong health habits.
