The Importance of Consistency in Exercise: Getting Back After Illness
Being consistent with exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, but what happens when illness interrupts your routine? After several days of feeling sick and not exercising, the body quickly becomes stiff and uncomfortable. This is exactly what happened to me – my back, legs, and even toes were in pain due to lack of movement.
When sickness strikes, getting back to exercise might be the last thing on your mind, but it's actually one of the best ways to recover fully and regain your energy. Despite still feeling some symptoms – headache, congestion, and general fatigue – I forced myself to start moving again.
Why You Need to Push Through
The reality about fitness is stark: it's very hard to lose weight but incredibly easy to gain it. This fundamental truth means we need to take control rather than letting our bodies dictate our choices. As I like to say, “Don't let your body control you – control your body!”
This means controlling cravings too. When you feel like eating something unhealthy like a shawarma, you need the discipline to say no and choose exercise instead. Control your appetite and your body will follow.
Starting Small After Illness
After being sick, I couldn't maintain even five minutes of jogging without stopping. Two days ago was the worst – I couldn't exercise at all. Yesterday I tried but struggled significantly. Today, though still not at 100%, I'm already seeing improvement in my stamina.
This gradual progression is key. You don't need to be a professional or lift heavy weights when getting back into exercise. Start with what you can manage – even if it's just 5 or 10 pounds instead of 100 or 200. Little by little, your strength will return.
Adjusting Intensity to Your Current Ability
When using equipment like a treadmill, be mindful of your current capabilities. The settings should match where you are today, not where you were before getting sick. Previously, I could handle speed levels of 9 or even 10, but now I'm limiting myself to 7 as I rebuild my endurance.
If I tried to push to level 10 in my current state, I'd likely fall due to my reduced strength and stamina. Level 12 might be the highest setting, but that doesn't mean it's right for everyone at all times.
Signs of Recovery
How do you know you're getting better? For me, sweating during exercise was a positive sign. When I started my workout, I felt cold, but soon I was sweating – a sign my body was responding properly to exertion again.
Another measure of progress was reaching 200 calories burned during my short workout. This small victory showed my energy levels were returning, and I was on the right path to full recovery.
Remember, good health is the foundation for achieving all your goals. When you're unwell, many things become impossible. That's why maintaining fitness through consistent exercise is so important – even when it means pushing through discomfort to get back on track after illness.
