Why You Need to Push Through Exercise Even When You're Feeling Sick
After several days of feeling unwell and avoiding exercise, I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of staying active. The lack of movement left my body stiff and uncomfortable – my legs, back, and even my toes were painful. This experience reinforced what many fitness experts have long emphasized: consistent exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
When we stop moving our bodies, the negative effects appear surprisingly quickly. Muscles become tight, joints get stiff, and our overall energy levels plummet. This is precisely what happened to me during my brief hiatus from physical activity.
Taking Control of Your Body
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a fitness routine is learning to control your body rather than letting it control you. This applies to both exercise habits and dietary choices. As challenging as it can be, we must sometimes force our bodies to move even when we don't feel like it.
The reality about fitness is straightforward but often difficult to implement:
- It's very easy to gain weight
- It's very hard to lose weight
- You must control your body, not let your body control you
- Control your mouth and food intake
- Force yourself to move, even when it's difficult
Starting Small Is Still Starting
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. The key is consistency, not intensity. If you can't lift 100 pounds, start with 10 pounds or even 5 pounds. The important thing is to begin somewhere and gradually build your strength and endurance.
When returning to exercise after illness or a break, be patient with yourself. I couldn't sustain jogging for even five minutes when I first tried to get back into my routine. But with each day, my endurance improved.
The Connection Between Health and Achievement
Our health directly impacts our ability to achieve our goals. When we're in good health, possibilities open up before us. Conversely, poor health can severely limit what we're able to accomplish.
This reality serves as powerful motivation to maintain regular exercise. Running, walking, strength training – whatever form of movement works for you – should become a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle.
Finding Your Exercise Intensity
When using cardio equipment like a treadmill, it's important to find the right intensity level for your current fitness state. For instance, if you're carrying extra weight, you might need to start at a lower speed setting (perhaps 3-7 on a scale that goes to 12) to prevent injury and build endurance safely.
As your fitness improves and your weight decreases, you can gradually increase the intensity. The goal is sustainable progress, not immediate perfection.
The Reward of Perseverance
There's nothing quite like the feeling of pushing through discomfort during exercise. That moment when you begin to sweat but realize you're not as tired as you expected – it's confirmation that your body is adapting and growing stronger.
By committing to regular movement, even short 20-minute sessions, you can maintain your health and steadily improve your fitness level. The key is consistency and the determination to control your body rather than letting it control you.
