The Importance of Consistency in Your Fitness Journey – Even When Sick

When it comes to fitness, consistency is key. Even after feeling sick for several days, getting back to your workout routine is essential for maintaining your progress and overall well-being.

Taking extended breaks from exercise can lead to muscle stiffness, discomfort, and even pain. 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.”

Pushing Through Discomfort

Sometimes, the hardest part of maintaining a fitness routine is simply getting started, especially after illness. Even when dealing with lingering symptoms like headaches or congestion, a light workout can help your body recover and regain energy.

The key is to listen to your body while still challenging it appropriately. Starting with a light jog or gentle cardio can help ease your body back into regular exercise without overdoing it.

Mind Over Matter

Fitness success often comes down to mental discipline: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. You control your body.”

This mindset applies not just to exercise but also to nutrition: “Control your mouth. Control your belly. Control your cravings. Control everything. And then force your body to move.”

Starting Small

You don't need to jump right back into intense workouts after taking time off. The important thing is to start somewhere: “We need to exercise anyhow. We must not be professional. We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds.”

Gradually increasing intensity as your strength and stamina return is a sustainable approach. For cardio workouts like treadmill running, begin with a comfortable speed before working your way back up to more challenging levels.

Tracking Progress

Using equipment with tracking features can help monitor your progress. Treadmills, for example, typically show metrics like time, calories burned, incline, and speed settings. These numbers provide tangible evidence of improvement over time.

Even if you can't immediately return to your previous performance level, tracking allows you to set realistic goals: “When I lose weight, I start running at 10… But now I can do up to 7 but not 10, not 11, not 12.”

Commitment to Consistency

Perhaps the most important aspect of fitness is committing to show up, even when it's difficult: “I am going to do it. I am not going to do it for too long. I am going to do it.”

Short, consistent workouts are far more beneficial than occasional intense sessions. Even a brief 20-minute exercise routine can make a significant difference in how you feel and help maintain your fitness level during recovery.

Remember, fitness is a journey with ups and downs. What matters most is getting back on track after setbacks and continuing to prioritize your health and wellness through regular physical activity.