The Power of Consistency: How Regular Exercise Can Help You Bounce Back From Illness
When illness strikes, it's easy to let your fitness routine slip. But as many experienced fitness enthusiasts know, taking too much time away from regular exercise can actually make recovery more difficult. This is precisely the lesson shared in a recent experience that highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent workout schedule.
After feeling sick for several days and skipping workouts, the consequences became apparent: stiffness throughout the body, pain while stretching, and general discomfort. “I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise,” was the realization that came from this experience.
The Challenge of Getting Back on Track
Despite still experiencing symptoms like headaches and congestion, making the decision to return to exercise proved beneficial. Even a short 20-minute workout session was enough to begin feeling the positive effects of movement again.
This highlights an important principle in fitness: it's often harder to get back into exercise after a break than it is to maintain consistency in the first place.
Mind Over Matter
One of the most powerful insights shared was about the mental aspect of fitness: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body.”
This philosophy extends to nutrition as well: “Control your mouth. That's why you feel like it is a shower. You say no. I will not eat today shower. I will exercise. Just go ahead.”
Progress Is Personal
An important reminder for anyone on their fitness journey is that progress looks different for everyone. You don't need to start with heavy weights or intense cardio: “100 pounds! Just start by lifting 10 pounds! Five pounds!”
Similarly, when it comes to cardio training on equipment like treadmills, it's important to work at your own level: “I used to put up to seven. Before, I used to put up to nine. But now, I can do up to seven, but not 10, not 11, not 12. 12 is the highest.”
The Joy of Recovery
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of returning to exercise after illness is experiencing your body's resilience. “I'm doing better today. Doing great,” was the sentiment expressed after getting back to jogging, with a noticeable difference in energy levels compared to previous days.
By the end of the workout, the calories burned counter approached 200 – a tangible sign of progress and recovery.
Conclusion
The journey of fitness is not always a straight path. Illness, injury, and life circumstances will occasionally interrupt your routine. The key is not to let these interruptions become permanent barriers. As this experience shows, even when you're not feeling 100%, a moderate workout adapted to your current capabilities can help your body bounce back faster.
Remember that consistency trumps intensity when it comes to long-term fitness success. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Your body will thank you for it.
