The Importance of Consistent Exercise: My Journey Back After Illness
There's a harsh reality we all face when it comes to fitness: it's incredibly difficult to lose weight but remarkably easy to gain it. After being sick for several days and unable to exercise, I experienced firsthand how quickly our bodies can become stiff and painful from inactivity.
During my recent illness, I completely neglected my exercise routine, and my body punished me for it. Everything hurt—the back of my legs, my neck, even my toes. My head was aching, my nose was congested, and my entire body felt like it was rebelling against me.
Taking Back Control
The key lesson I've learned is that we must control our bodies, not let our bodies control us. This applies to exercise, diet, and overall health management. When your body wants to stay in bed, you need to force it to move. When cravings hit, you need to control your mouth.
As I started my comeback workout, I was determined to push through the discomfort. Just two days ago, I couldn't sustain jogging for even five minutes without stopping. Yesterday was slightly better, and today I can feel my energy returning as I'm able to maintain a steady jog.
Start Where You Are
You don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit from exercise. If you can't lift 100 pounds, start with 10 pounds or even 5 pounds. The important thing is to begin somewhere and progress gradually.
When I was at my peak fitness level, I could run on the treadmill at speeds of 7, 9, or even 10. Now, due to my current weight and recent illness, I have to be content with lower settings. But that's perfectly fine—I know I'll build back up over time.
Health Is Wealth
Our health truly is our most valuable asset. It's only when we lose it temporarily that we realize how crucial it is to our ability to achieve our goals and live our best lives.
As I return to my exercise routine, I'm reminded of the importance of consistency. Even a short 20-minute workout can make a tremendous difference in how you feel. My body is already responding—I started this session feeling cold, and now I'm sweating and watching the calories burn.
Remember, the journey to fitness isn't always straightforward. There will be setbacks, like illness or injury, but what matters is that you get back up and start moving again as soon as you can. Your body will thank you for it.
