The Importance of Consistency in Your Fitness Journey – Even When You're Not Feeling Your Best
Getting back into exercise after being sick can be challenging, but it's often exactly what your body needs. In a recent workout session, I experienced firsthand how lack of exercise due to illness can lead to stiffness, pain, and overall discomfort throughout the body.
After feeling sick for several days and avoiding exercise, I noticed my body had become increasingly stiff. Even basic stretching became painful – the back of my legs, my toes, even my neck felt tight and uncomfortable. This was a stark reminder that our bodies are designed to move, and extended periods of inactivity can quickly lead to physical complaints.
Pushing Through Discomfort
Despite still experiencing symptoms like headache and congestion, I made the decision to get moving again with a short 20-minute workout. This wasn't about pushing to extremes but rather gently reintroducing movement to help my body recover.
The reality of fitness is that it's often challenging. As I noted during my workout, “It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight.” This fundamental truth is why consistency matters so much in any fitness journey.
Taking Control of Your Health
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is learning to control your impulses rather than letting them control you. As I reminded myself during the workout, “You don't let your body control you. You control your body. Control your mouth. Control your belly.”
This mindset is crucial for long-term success. When you feel like skipping a workout or reaching for unhealthy foods, that's precisely when you need to assert control and make the choice that aligns with your goals.
Start Where You Are
A common mistake many people make is believing they need to perform at a professional level to benefit from exercise. The truth is that any movement is beneficial, and starting small is perfectly acceptable:
“We must not be professional as well! We must not lift 100 pounds to be healthy. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds! Just little by little, we are going to be fine!”
Tracking Progress
Using metrics to track your progress can be highly motivating. During my workout, I kept an eye on calories burned and monitored my endurance level. Setting up your treadmill with appropriate speed settings is also important – finding the right balance between challenge and sustainability.
For beginners, starting with lower speeds (2-3) is appropriate, while more experienced exercisers might work at speeds of 5-7. The highest settings (10-12) are typically reserved for those with significant endurance and lower body weight.
The Reward of Persistence
By the end of my short workout session, despite feeling tired, I had burned nearly 200 calories and could already feel my energy levels improving. This immediate feedback is one of the greatest rewards of consistent exercise.
Remember that your health is your wealth. When you're in good health, you can pursue your goals and enjoy life to its fullest. Even a short, consistent workout routine can make a significant difference in how you feel and function daily.
The next time you're tempted to skip a workout, remember that even a brief session can help maintain your momentum and prevent the stiffness and discomfort that comes from extended inactivity.
