Why Consistent Exercise Is Crucial for Maintaining Your Health
After just a few days without exercise, the negative effects on our bodies can be surprisingly significant. This reality became crystal clear during a recent workout session where the importance of consistent physical activity was on full display.
Taking even a short break from regular exercise can lead to stiffness, pain, and discomfort throughout the body. As experienced firsthand, “I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised… 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 nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”
The Mental Battle of Exercise
One of the greatest challenges when it comes to fitness isn't necessarily the physical aspect but rather the mental discipline required. It's about taking control of your body rather than letting it control you.
“It is very hard to dress nice. But very easy to gain weight. 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. Control your mouth.”
This mental fortitude is essential when fatigue or discomfort tries to convince you to stop. The key is persistence – forcing your body to move even when it resists. “It's not easy. But you're gonna force it. Control your lungs. Control your belly. Control your tummy. Control everything.”
Starting Small for Sustainable Results
An important reminder for anyone on their fitness journey is that you don't need to start with extreme workouts. Progress comes from consistency, not intensity alone.
“Your health is what? When you are in good health, you can achieve. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals. That is why we need to run. We need to exercise anyhow. We must not be professional as well. We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Tracking Progress
Using equipment that tracks your workout stats can be motivating and help you gauge improvements. A good treadmill, for example, can monitor “calories, house no ball of stealth, the incliner, and it has also the speed limit.”
As fitness improves, you can gradually increase intensity. “When I lose weight, I'll start running 10… I used to put up to seven. Before, I used to put up to nine.”
The Reward of Persistence
The reward for pushing through discomfort is tangible improvement in energy levels and overall well-being. Even after being unwell, a commitment to moving your body can yield quick results: “I'm doing better today… My energy level is coming back.”
This experience demonstrates that consistency in exercise pays dividends for both physical and mental health. Even when facing setbacks like illness, returning to movement – even starting with just a short workout – can help restore energy and wellness.
Remember that fitness is a journey, not a destination. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall health and brings you closer to your goals.
