The Power of Persistence: Getting Back to Exercise After Illness
There's nothing quite like the feeling of getting back to exercise after being sidelined by illness. After several days of feeling sick and not exercising, many of us experience the consequences of inactivity – stiffness, pain, and reduced energy levels.
When we avoid exercise during illness, our bodies suffer. Stretching becomes painful, our muscles tighten, and even simple movements can cause discomfort. This is exactly what happened to me recently – the back of my legs, my neck, even my toes were in pain from lack of movement.
Forcing Your Body to Move Again
The truth about exercise is that it's often very hard to start, but absolutely necessary for maintaining health. As the saying goes, it's “very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight.” This reality means we must sometimes push ourselves beyond what feels comfortable.
The key is not letting your body control you – instead, you must control your body. This means:
- Control your mouth and what you eat
- Control your impulses
- Force your body to move, even when it resists
It's not easy, but the alternative – remaining inactive – only prolongs the discomfort and prevents recovery.
Signs of Progress
When returning to exercise after illness, looking for small signs of improvement is important. For example, being able to jog for five minutes straight when you couldn't the day before represents significant progress.
Your endurance will gradually return. Where you once could maintain higher speeds on a treadmill (speeds of 7-10), you might need to start at 4-5. This isn't failure – it's simply part of the recovery process.
Why Exercise Matters During Recovery
Your health is fundamental to achieving your goals. When you're not in good health, accomplishing even basic tasks becomes challenging. This is precisely why exercise remains essential, even during recovery from illness.
Some benefits of gentle exercise during recovery include:
- Improved circulation
- Reduced stiffness
- Increased energy levels
- Better mood
- Gradual rebuilding of stamina
Starting Small
The key to successful return to exercise is starting small. A 20-minute workout is perfectly adequate when getting back into your routine. Focus on:
- Light jogging or walking
- Basic stretching
- Staying hydrated
- Listening to your body
Even a short workout that burns 200 calories is a victory when recovering from illness. The goal isn't to break records but to reestablish the exercise habit and gradually rebuild your strength.
Remember that persistence, not perfection, is what matters most when returning to fitness after being sick. Your body will thank you for the effort, even when it protests at first.
