Why Consistent Exercise Is Crucial for Your Health: A Personal Journey
Many of us know how easy it is to fall out of an exercise routine. But what happens when we stop moving our bodies for even a short period? The effects can be surprisingly swift and uncomfortable.
After taking a few days off from exercise due to illness, I experienced firsthand how quickly the body can stiffen and become uncomfortable. Despite being sick with symptoms including headaches and nasal congestion, the lack of movement actually made me feel worse – my body became stiff, and stretching became painful, even in areas like the back of my legs, nails, and toes.
The Hard Truth About Exercise and Weight Management
Let's be honest about something we all know but sometimes avoid acknowledging: “It is very hard to exercise, but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight.”
This reality means we need to approach our fitness with determination rather than relying solely on motivation. As someone who has experienced both fitness and weight struggles, I've learned that sometimes you need to “push your body” and “force it” rather than “letting your body control you.”
Taking Control of Your Health
Self-discipline extends beyond just exercise. Controlling what you eat plays an equally important role: “Control your mouth. Control your belly.” Sometimes, this means saying no to cravings and making the conscious decision to exercise instead.
When returning to exercise after a break, I noticed how quickly my endurance had decreased. Just two days earlier, I couldn't sustain jogging for even five minutes without stopping. But with each day of renewed commitment, the energy started returning.
Start Where You Are
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. The key is starting at an appropriate level for your current fitness: “You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds.” If even that seems challenging, start smaller – the important thing is to begin somewhere.
Your health forms the foundation for everything else you want to accomplish. When you're in good health, your goals become more achievable. When health issues prevent you from doing certain activities, those goals become significantly harder to reach.
Listen to Your Body While Challenging It
As I've returned to my exercise routine, I've had to adjust my expectations. Where I once could run at higher speeds on the treadmill (up to speed level 9), I'm now working with what my current fitness level allows (around level 7).
This isn't failure – it's adapting. Understanding your body's current capabilities while gently pushing its limits is how sustainable progress happens.
The Reward of Consistency
Even after a short workout, the benefits were clear. What started with feeling cold and stiff ended with healthy sweating and improved energy levels. As the calorie counter approached 200, I could feel my energy returning – a powerful reminder of why consistency matters in fitness.
Remember that every fitness journey has interruptions. The key isn't perfection but persistence – getting back on track when life inevitably knocks you off course.
