The Power of Pushing Through: How to Exercise When You're Not Feeling Your Best

We've all been there – feeling under the weather, lacking motivation, and tempted to skip our workouts. But as today's experience shows, sometimes pushing through those barriers is exactly what our bodies need.

After feeling sick for several days without exercising, the effects became quickly apparent. Muscles became stiff, stretching became painful, and even basic movement caused discomfort. This is a powerful reminder of how quickly our bodies can lose conditioning when we stop moving.

The Importance of Consistency

“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.”

This experience highlights a crucial fitness principle: consistency matters more than intensity. Even when we're not feeling 100%, maintaining some level of physical activity helps preserve mobility and prevents the rapid decline in fitness that can occur during complete inactivity.

Mind Over Matter

One of the most powerful insights shared was about the mental aspect of fitness: “What you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. You control your body.”

This mindset is essential for fitness success. Our bodies often resist change and discomfort, but progress happens when we push beyond what feels comfortable. This doesn't mean ignoring genuine pain or injury signals, but rather recognizing the difference between discomfort and actual harm.

Starting Small Works

For those intimidated by fitness, remember this advice: “We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds. So we cannot lift 10 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”

Fitness isn't about comparing yourself to others or trying to achieve unrealistic goals immediately. It's about consistent improvement from wherever you're starting. Even small efforts compound over time.

Adapting Your Workout to Your Current Level

There's wisdom in adjusting intensity based on your current abilities. As mentioned regarding treadmill settings: “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.”

This adaptive approach prevents injury while still providing an effective workout. Your fitness journey isn't linear – there will be times when you need to scale back, and times when you can push harder.

The Rewards of Pushing Through

By the end of the short workout session, despite starting with fatigue and discomfort, there was a noticeable improvement: “My energy level is coming back.” This demonstrates how exercise often gives us energy rather than depleting it.

Even a short 20-minute session can improve mood, increase energy, and help maintain fitness levels during periods when longer workouts aren't feasible.

Final Thoughts

Health is wealth, and maintaining consistent physical activity is one of the best investments you can make in your wellbeing. Even when motivation is low or you're not feeling your best, remember that something is always better than nothing.

Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Your body will thank you for it.