Why You Should Keep Exercising Even When You Feel Sick
After several days of feeling under the weather and skipping workouts, I discovered something important: not exercising actually made me feel worse. My body became stiff, stretching became painful, and even the simplest movements caused discomfort in my legs, neck, and back.
This experience reinforced a crucial fitness lesson – consistency matters tremendously when it comes to maintaining physical wellbeing. Even a short break from regular activity can lead to surprising levels of discomfort and stiffness.
Pushing Through Discomfort
Despite still feeling some illness symptoms – headache, congestion, and general fatigue – I decided to get back on the treadmill. The difference was immediately noticeable. Within minutes of starting a light jog, I could feel energy returning to my body. What would have been impossible just two days ago became manageable, showing how quickly the body can respond to movement.
The Mental Battle of Exercise
The reality about fitness is clear: it's very hard to lose weight but extremely easy to gain it. The key lies in mental discipline. As I reminded myself during the workout, you must control your body rather than letting your body control you.
This means:
- Control your mouth when cravings hit
- Force your body to move even when it resists
- Push beyond initial discomfort
- Maintain consistency even through minor illnesses
Starting Small
You don't need to be a fitness professional or lift heavy weights to see benefits. The important thing is simply to start somewhere. If you can't lift 100 pounds, start with 10 or even 5. Progress comes gradually, but it does come if you remain consistent.
Finding Your Level
Each person's fitness journey looks different. On the treadmill, I used to comfortably run at speeds of 7-9 (out of 12). Due to weight fluctuations and my recent illness, I had to adjust my expectations. The maximum speed of 12 remains a goal for the future, but I know pushing too hard too soon could lead to injury.
This approach – working within your current capabilities while maintaining a vision for improvement – is the sustainable path to fitness success.
The Quick Recovery Effect
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of returning to exercise was how quickly my body responded. From feeling cold and fatigued at the beginning of the workout to generating heat and sweat by the middle, the transformation was remarkable. By the end, I had burned nearly 200 calories and felt significantly more energetic than when I started.
This is the power of movement – even when you don't feel your best, a moderate workout can often be the very thing your body needs to accelerate recovery and restore energy levels.
Remember, fitness isn't about perfection. It's about consistency and listening to your body while still providing the challenge it needs to grow stronger.
