The Power of Consistency: Getting Back to Exercise After Illness
We've all been there – feeling sick, unable to exercise, and watching our bodies become stiff and uncomfortable. This is exactly what happened to me recently, and I wanted to share my experience of getting back on track with my fitness routine.
After several days of illness without any physical activity, I noticed immediate negative effects on my body. My muscles became stiff, stretching became painful, and even my back, legs, and toes were uncomfortable. This was a powerful reminder that consistency in exercise isn't just about weight management – it's about maintaining overall physical comfort and wellbeing.
The Challenges of Returning to Exercise
Getting back to exercise after even a short break can be challenging. On my first day attempting to return, I couldn't sustain jogging for even five minutes without stopping. The second day was slightly better, but still far from my normal capacity.
What I've learned is that our health truly is our wealth. When we're in good health, we can pursue our goals and dreams. When we're not, even simple activities become major obstacles.
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 key is to begin somewhere and gradually build up your strength and endurance.
For cardio exercises like running on a treadmill, adjust the settings to match your current fitness level. I normally run at speed level 7, and previously could handle up to 9. When I'm at my peak fitness, I aim for level 10, but that's too challenging for my current weight and condition. The maximum setting on my treadmill is 12, which gives me something to work toward.
The Importance of Pushing Through
It's very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain it. The secret lies in controlling your body rather than letting it control you. This means:
- Controlling your mouth – saying no to unnecessary snacks
- Controlling your cravings
- Forcing your body to move even when it's difficult
During my recovery workout, I was determined to see how long I could sustain jogging. Even as I began to tire, I pushed myself to continue, celebrating small victories like reaching 200 calories burned.
The Road to Recovery
The most important thing I've learned is that consistency matters more than intensity. A short 20-minute workout is infinitely better than no workout at all, especially when recovering from illness.
By gradually reintroducing exercise into my routine, I'm already feeling my energy levels returning. The headaches are subsiding, my mood is improving, and I'm feeling more like myself again.
Remember that fitness is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks along the way – illness, injury, or life circumstances that interrupt your routine. The key is to get back on track as soon as you can, starting wherever you are, and building back to where you want to be.
