Why You Should Never Skip Exercise: Recovering from Illness Through Movement
When illness strikes, it's tempting to stay in bed and avoid physical activity altogether. However, as many fitness enthusiasts discover, prolonged inactivity can lead to stiffness, pain, and a more difficult recovery process. This reality became crystal clear during a recent workout session that demonstrated the importance of maintaining movement, even when fighting sickness.
After several days of feeling unwell and skipping exercise, the effects were noticeable: stiffness throughout the body, pain in the legs, and even discomfort in the toes. The lack of physical activity had made the body rigid and uncomfortable, highlighting how quickly we can lose flexibility and comfort when we abandon our fitness routines.
The Struggle to Get Moving Again
Restarting an exercise routine after illness presents a genuine challenge. During the initial jogging session, fatigue set in quickly, but determination prevailed. The contrast between the first day back and subsequent sessions showed remarkable improvement – what was unbearable just days earlier became manageable as the body readjusted to activity.
This progress serves as a powerful reminder that our bodies are designed for movement, and even short breaks from exercise can make returning to fitness more difficult than necessary.
The Mind-Body Connection in Fitness
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a fitness routine is developing mental discipline. As was wisely noted during the workout: “It is very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain weight.” This fundamental truth underlies all successful fitness journeys.
The key lies in not allowing your body to control you, but rather learning to control your body. This means:
- Controlling your mouth and food intake
- Refusing to give in to cravings
- Forcing your body to move, even when it's difficult
- Maintaining discipline even when motivation is low
While it's certainly not easy, developing this discipline creates the foundation for long-term fitness success.
Starting Where You Are
Perhaps the most encouraging message for those struggling with fitness is that perfection isn't required. You don't need to lift 100 pounds or run marathons to benefit from exercise. Starting with manageable weights – even just 5 or 10 pounds – and gradually building your capacity is perfectly valid.
The same principle applies to cardio exercise. Finding an appropriate intensity level matters more than matching someone else's pace. For instance, when using a treadmill, the speed setting should match your current fitness level – whether that's a 3, 5, or 7. As fitness improves, you can gradually increase the intensity.
The Rapid Return of Energy
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of returning to exercise is how quickly energy levels can rebound. Even when starting a workout feeling sluggish and tired, the body often responds positively to movement. What begins as a struggle can transform into a energizing experience as circulation improves and endorphins begin flowing.
This was perfectly demonstrated when, despite initial fatigue, the exercise session continued with increasing energy and decreasing discomfort – proving that sometimes the best remedy for low energy is movement itself.
Conclusion
While illness sometimes necessitates rest, prolonged inactivity often makes recovery more difficult rather than easier. Finding appropriate ways to maintain movement, even if modified from your usual routine, can prevent the stiffness and discomfort that comes from extended periods of inactivity.
Remember that fitness isn't about perfection – it's about consistency and working with your current capabilities. By maintaining this perspective and pushing through the initial discomfort of returning to exercise, you'll find your strength and energy returning more quickly than you might expect.
