The Power of Consistency: How Regular Exercise Helps You Overcome Sickness and Regain Energy

We've all been there – feeling under the weather, skipping workouts, and then discovering our bodies have become stiff and uncomfortable. One fitness enthusiast recently shared her experience with this exact situation, and her journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to maintain their exercise routine even through challenging times.

After several days of feeling sick and avoiding exercise, she noticed significant discomfort throughout her body. “I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system. That did not help me at all. Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my knees, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”

The Immediate Benefits of Getting Moving Again

Despite still feeling unwell with a headache, congestion, and general discomfort, she decided to push through with a short 20-minute workout to get her body moving again. The difference was noticeable almost immediately.

“Today I feel better,” she shared, noting that her energy levels were already improving compared to the previous day when she couldn't sustain even five minutes of jogging without stopping.

The Mental Discipline of Exercise

One particularly insightful comment highlighted the mental discipline required for consistent exercise: “Not letting your body control you, but you control your body, control your mouth. That's the way you feel. When you feel like eating shawarma, you say no, I will not eat today. I will exercise instead.”

This mindset of taking command of your physical self rather than being led by momentary cravings or discomfort is crucial for long-term fitness success.

Starting Small and Building Gradually

An important reminder for home gym enthusiasts was the value of starting wherever you are in your fitness journey: “We need to exercise anyhow we can. We must not be professional. You must not lift 100 pounds – just start by lifting 10 pounds or 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little we are going to be fine.”

This approach of gradual progression applies to cardio training as well. The fitness enthusiast mentioned adjusting treadmill settings based on current capabilities, noting that she previously could handle higher speeds but was currently working at a more moderate pace due to recent illness.

Tracking Progress for Motivation

Using equipment that tracks metrics like calories burned, time, speed, and incline can provide tangible evidence of your workout's effectiveness. Seeing the numbers climb can be particularly motivating when you're getting back into a routine after illness.

“We are almost at 200 calories. Good. My energy level is coming back,” she observed during her workout.

The Real Value of Health

Perhaps the most powerful insight shared was about appreciating health while you have it: “Your health is what? When you are in good health, you cannot know it. It's only when you cannot do certain things, when you cannot achieve your goals, that is when you realize the importance of health.”

This perspective serves as a powerful reminder that regular exercise isn't just about aesthetics or performance – it's fundamentally about maintaining the health that allows us to live fully and accomplish our goals.

Whether you're currently recovering from illness or simply need motivation to maintain consistency with your home gym routine, remember that each workout builds resilience not just in your muscles, but in your overall well-being.