Why Consistency Matters: Getting Back to Exercise After Illness
Being sick can derail even the most dedicated fitness routine. After several days without exercise, many people discover just how quickly the body can stiffen and lose conditioning. This was exactly my experience after a recent illness that kept me from my regular workouts.
During my time away from exercise, I noticed significant discomfort – stiffness in my legs, pain in my neck, and even discomfort in my toes. This experience served as a powerful reminder of why consistency matters when it comes to physical fitness.
The Challenge of Returning
Getting back to exercise after a break isn't easy. As I discovered during my first session back on the treadmill, endurance decreases surprisingly quickly. What was once an easy five-minute jog became challenging. My body resisted, but I persisted.
This is the reality of fitness that many don't discuss: it's much harder to lose weight than to gain it. Maintaining fitness requires constant effort and discipline.
Taking Control of Your Body
The key to fitness success isn't waiting for motivation – it's about taking control. As I reminded myself during my workout, you must:
- Control your mouth – sometimes saying no to cravings
- Control your body – pushing through initial resistance
- Force yourself to move – especially when you don't feel like it
This mindset shift from letting your body control you to you controlling your body makes all the difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Starting Small
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. The most important thing is to start at your current ability level:
- Can't lift 100 pounds? Start with 5 or 10
- Can't run at high speeds? Begin with a comfortable pace
- Can't work out for an hour? Begin with 20 minutes
My treadmill workout demonstrated this perfectly. While I once could handle higher speeds (levels 10-12), I recognized my current limitations and adjusted accordingly, working at a more moderate pace (level 7) as I rebuild my stamina.
The Reward of Persistence
Despite feeling under the weather, by the end of my short 20-minute session, I could already feel my energy returning. My body was warming up, I was sweating, and I'd burned nearly 200 calories.
This immediate feedback loop is one of exercise's greatest gifts – you can feel the benefits almost immediately, which encourages you to continue.
Remember: Health Enables Achievement
Perhaps the most important takeaway from my experience is recognizing that good health is the foundation for everything else. When you're healthy and strong, you can pursue your goals. When illness or poor fitness holds you back, achieving those same goals becomes significantly more difficult.
This is why consistent exercise isn't just about aesthetics or even physical health – it's about creating the foundation that allows you to live your fullest life.
