Why Regular Exercise is Crucial Even When You're Sick: A Personal Journey
We've all been there – feeling under the weather and using it as an excuse to skip our workout routine. But as I recently experienced, avoiding exercise when you're sick can actually make you feel worse, not better.
After feeling sick for several days and skipping my regular workouts, I noticed my body becoming increasingly stiff. Even simple stretches became painful – the back of my legs, my nails, my toes – everything hurt due to lack of movement. This was a powerful reminder that our bodies are designed to move, and extended periods of inactivity can lead to increased discomfort.
The Importance of Pushing Through
Even with a headache and congestion, I decided to get back on my treadmill for a short 20-minute workout. The difference was remarkable. Though I wasn't at full strength, just getting my body moving again helped improve my overall feeling of wellbeing.
Weight management requires consistent effort. As I often remind myself: “It's very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain weight.” The key is maintaining control – control over your body, your mouth, and your cravings.
Tips for Getting Back on Track
- Start small: You don't need to lift 100 pounds. Start with 5 or 10 pounds and build gradually.
- Control your cravings: When you want something unhealthy like a shawarma, practice saying no and choose exercise instead.
- Adjust intensity as needed: I normally run at speed level 7 on my treadmill (which goes up to 12), but I've had to adjust based on my current fitness level. In the past, I could handle level 9, and as I lose weight, I'll work toward level 10.
- Track your progress: My treadmill tracks time, calories burned, steps, incline, and speed – all helpful metrics to see improvement over time.
The Health-Achievement Connection
One important realization from this experience: “When you are in good health, you can achieve your goals. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This is why regular exercise is so crucial. It's not about being a professional athlete – it's about maintaining the basic physical capacity needed to pursue your dreams and live the life you want.
Getting Started Again
If you've been sidelined by illness or just fallen out of your routine, remember that getting back to exercise doesn't require a dramatic restart. Even a short session can help reawaken your body and get you back on track.
The key is consistency – showing up for yourself even when you don't feel like it. Your body will thank you, and you'll be one step closer to achieving your fitness goals.
