Why Exercise Is Essential During and After Illness – My Personal Journey
After several days of feeling sick and avoiding exercise, I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of staying active. My body became stiff, and I experienced pain in my legs, back, and even my toes due to the lack of movement. This experience reinforced what many fitness experts have been saying for years – consistent exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health.
When we're ill, it's tempting to remain sedentary, but this can actually prolong recovery and create new problems. I discovered that even light stretching and gentle movement could have prevented the stiffness and discomfort I experienced during my downtime.
The Challenges of Weight Management
One observation that resonated with me during this experience is how difficult weight management can be. It's remarkably easy to gain weight but significantly more challenging to lose it. This reality requires us to be intentional about our fitness routines and dietary choices.
As I noted during my workout, “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight. You need to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you – you control your body.”
Mind Over Matter
Perhaps the most important aspect of maintaining a fitness routine is mental discipline. It's about controlling impulses and making conscious choices rather than giving in to momentary desires.
“Control your mouth. When you feel like having a snack, you say no. Control your hands. Control your body. And then force your body to move.”
Starting Small and Building Consistency
You don't need to be a professional athlete or lift hundreds of pounds to benefit from exercise. The key is starting where you are and gradually building strength and endurance.
“You must not lift 100 pounds, 200 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Finding Your Pace
When using cardio equipment like a treadmill, it's important to find a speed that challenges you without overwhelming you. As your fitness improves, you can gradually increase the intensity.
“When I lose weight, I'll start running at speed 10. But if I put it now, I will fall because of my weight. 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.”
The Reward of Perseverance
Despite feeling under the weather, I pushed through a 20-minute workout and immediately felt the benefits. By the end of the session, I was sweating and could feel my energy returning.
“I'm sweating now. I was cold before, but now I'm sweating… My energy level is coming back.”
Conclusion
Our health is our greatest asset, and maintaining it requires consistent effort. When we neglect exercise, our bodies quickly remind us of its importance through stiffness, pain, and reduced energy levels.
By committing to regular physical activity, even during challenging times, we give ourselves the best chance to achieve our health and fitness goals. Remember that every journey begins with small steps, and consistency matters more than intensity.
