Why You Should Never Stop Exercising: My Recovery Story
When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consistency is key. I recently learned this lesson the hard way after taking a few days off from my regular exercise routine due to illness.
After several days without working out, I noticed my body becoming increasingly stiff. Simple stretches became painful – the back of my legs, my calves, even my toes – everything hurt. This was a stark reminder of how quickly our bodies can lose flexibility and strength when we stop moving.
The Struggle of Getting Back on Track
Today marked my return to exercise after feeling sick for some time. Despite still experiencing some neck pain, headache, and congestion, I pushed myself to get moving again with a 20-minute workout session.
The truth about fitness is something we all know but often forget: it's very hard to lose weight but incredibly easy to gain it. This reality requires us to take control of our bodies rather than letting our bodies control us.
Mind Over Matter
The key to consistent exercise isn't just physical strength – it's mental discipline. As I reminded myself during this workout:
- Control your mouth
- Control your belly
- Force your body to move even when it feels difficult
When your body wants to give in, that's precisely when you need to push forward. No more lying down, no more excuses.
Starting Small
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from regular exercise. 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 up your strength and endurance.
During today's session, I challenged myself with some light jogging. While I couldn't maintain the intensity I once could (previously running at speeds of 7-9 on my treadmill), I recognized my current limitations and worked within them.
Health Is Wealth
Perhaps the most important lesson from this experience is remembering that good health is foundational to everything else in life. When we're healthy, we can pursue our goals and dreams. When we're not, even simple tasks become challenging.
This is why we must prioritize exercise however we can. It doesn't need to be perfect or professional – it just needs to be consistent.
After just one session back, I could already feel my energy returning and my body responding positively. From feeling cold at the start to working up a good sweat by the end, the transformation was immediate.
Remember: your health journey is personal. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. The most important step is simply to begin.
