The Importance of Staying Active Even When You Don't Feel Like It
Getting back into exercise after being sick can be challenging, but it's often exactly what your body needs. After several days of inactivity due to illness, one fitness enthusiast discovered that not exercising actually made things worse – creating stiffness throughout the body, from legs to toes, and intensifying discomfort.
This experience highlights an important principle in fitness: our bodies are designed to move, and extended periods of inactivity can lead to more problems than the rest we think we need.
The Challenge of Getting Started Again
“It is very hard to exercise, but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to gain weight,” is a reality many of us face. The key is taking control of your body rather than letting your body control you.
When returning to exercise after illness or a break, start with modest goals. In this case, a simple 20-minute workout was enough to begin rebuilding strength and endurance. Despite still feeling some symptoms including headache and congestion, the physical activity helped boost energy levels noticeably compared to previous days.
Mind Over Matter
Exercise is largely about mental discipline. As the saying goes, “Control your mouth. Control your belly. Control everything.” Sometimes you need to force your body to move even when it doesn't feel natural. The first steps are often the hardest, but the benefits come quickly.
Maintaining consistent exercise doesn't require professional-level intensity. You don't need to lift 100 pounds – starting with just 5 or 10 pounds can be effective. The important thing is gradual, consistent progress.
Adjusting Your Workout to Your Current Ability
When using cardio equipment like a treadmill, be realistic about your current capabilities. Higher speeds (levels 10-12) may be appropriate for some, but there's no shame in working at moderate levels (5-7) as you rebuild strength and endurance.
The key metrics to focus on include calories burned, steps taken, incline, and speed. These provide tangible feedback on your progress and can help you gradually increase intensity as your fitness improves.
The Reward of Persistence
Even in a short workout session, you can see measurable results. Burning 200 calories while jogging for just 20 minutes provides both physical benefits and the psychological boost of accomplishment.
Perhaps most importantly, regular exercise helps maintain health, which is fundamental to achieving all other goals. As noted in the workout, “When you are in good health, you can achieve. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
So next time you're feeling under the weather or lacking motivation, remember that sometimes the best way to feel better is to get moving, even if it's just a little bit. Your body will thank you.
