The Importance of Consistent Exercise for Recovery and Well-being
We've all been there – feeling under the weather, lacking energy, and tempted to skip our workout routine. But as many fitness enthusiasts discover, prolonged inactivity often makes us feel worse, not better.
When illness strikes, our bodies can quickly become stiff and uncomfortable. One fitness enthusiast recently shared their experience of feeling sick for several days and skipping exercise, only to discover that “not exercising did not help me at all. It made my body stiff. 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
Getting back into exercise after a period of illness or inactivity isn't easy. It requires mental fortitude and a willingness to push through initial discomfort. As our fitness enthusiast noted, “It is very hard to exercise, but it's also very hard to lose weight. It's very easy to gain weight.”
The key is taking control: “All you need to do is push your body. Force it. Don't let your body control you – control your body. Control your mouth. When you feel like eating something unhealthy, say no. Control your belly. Control everything and force your body to move. It's not easy, but you're going to force it.”
Starting Small
When returning to exercise after illness, it's important to adjust expectations and start with manageable goals. You don't need to jump straight back into your most intense routine.
“We must not be professional right away. You must not lift 100 pounds or 200 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds or 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little. We are going to be fine.”
This approach applies to cardio exercise too. Our fitness enthusiast began with just a short jogging session to gauge their stamina after being sick.
Listening To Your Body While Challenging It
There's a delicate balance between pushing yourself and respecting your current limitations. As you rebuild strength and endurance, be mindful of your capabilities.
For example, when using a treadmill, adjust the speed to your current fitness level: “Five is speed running… I used to put up to seven before. But now I can do up to seven, but not 10, not 11, not 12. Twelve is the highest.”
The Reward of Persistence
Even a short workout after being inactive can produce noticeable benefits. Our fitness enthusiast reported feeling better after just 20 minutes of light exercise: “I'm getting better. That's why I'm running today. Small running today. I want to wake up my body.”
The improvements were immediate: “I was cold, but now I'm sweating… My energy level is coming back.”
Conclusion
Maintaining consistent exercise is crucial for physical well-being. When illness or other circumstances interrupt your routine, getting back to activity – even at a reduced intensity – can help your body recover more quickly and prevent the stiffness and discomfort that often accompanies prolonged inactivity.
Remember that fitness is a journey with natural ebbs and flows. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, adjusting your expectations as needed, and celebrating each small victory along the way.
