The Importance of Consistent Exercise: My Return After Illness
We all know how difficult it can be to maintain a consistent workout routine, especially after being sidelined by illness. After several days of feeling sick and neglecting my exercise regimen, I experienced firsthand how quickly our bodies can become stiff and uncomfortable when we stop moving.
During my recovery period, I noticed significant discomfort throughout my body. Even simple stretches became painful – the back of my legs, my nails, my toes – everything hurt. This was a stark reminder that lack of exercise doesn't just impact our fitness levels; it affects our overall physical comfort and wellbeing.
The Challenge of Getting Back on Track
One truth about fitness remains constant: it's much harder to lose weight than it is to gain it. When returning to exercise after a break, we must push our bodies and not let our temporary discomfort dictate our actions. The key is maintaining control – controlling your mouth when you want to indulge, controlling your body when it resists movement, and forcing yourself to take those first difficult steps back into activity.
My Return to Exercise
Despite still experiencing some lingering symptoms – a stiff neck, headache, and nasal congestion – I was determined to get moving again. The difference between yesterday and today was remarkable. Just one day of returning to movement had already improved my energy levels and endurance.
Yesterday, I couldn't sustain jogging for even five minutes without stopping. Today, I was able to continue much longer, tracking my calories burned (nearly 200 by the end of the session) and monitoring my progress.
Start Where You Are
One of the most important lessons in fitness is that you don't need to be a professional or lift hundreds of pounds to make progress. As I reminded myself during this workout, just start by lifting what you can – maybe that's only 5 or 10 pounds. The important thing is consistent effort and gradual improvement.
My treadmill workout also demonstrated this principle. While the machine goes up to speed level 12, I'm currently comfortable at level 7. Before my illness, I could manage level 9, and I know that as I lose weight and build endurance, I'll eventually work my way back up and beyond my previous capabilities. But trying to run at level 10 now would be counterproductive – I'd likely fall and hurt myself.
The Value of Health
This experience reinforced an essential truth: good health is the foundation for everything else we want to achieve. When we're unwell, our goals become much more difficult to reach. That's why we need to make exercise a priority, in whatever form works for our current fitness level.
As I finished my short 20-minute session, I could already feel the benefits of getting my body moving again. My energy was returning, and despite some lingering symptoms, I felt significantly better than I had in days.
Remember, fitness isn't about perfection – it's about consistency and working with your current capabilities. Start small, be persistent, and your body will thank you.
