Why You Should Push Your Body: The Importance of Consistent Exercise
After several days of feeling sick and neglecting exercise, I experienced firsthand how quickly the body can become stiff and painful. My lack of movement left me with aching muscles, a sore neck, headaches, and overall discomfort—a powerful reminder that our bodies are designed to move.
The contrast between how I felt during my illness and after returning to exercise was remarkable. Just a short 20-minute workout was enough to start bringing back my energy levels and improving my symptoms. While I still felt some lingering effects of being sick, the simple act of moving my body made a significant difference.
The Challenge of Fitness Discipline
One truth I've learned on my fitness journey is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires consistent effort. As I often remind myself: “It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain it.” This reality means we must develop discipline over our bodies and appetites.
True fitness success comes from learning to control your body rather than letting your body control you. When cravings strike for unhealthy foods like shawarma, the disciplined response is saying no and choosing exercise instead. It's about controlling your mouth, your belly, and your cravings.
Pushing Through Resistance
Exercise isn't always easy—especially when returning after illness or a break. There are moments when your body resists movement, but these are precisely the times when you need to push through.
“Force your body to move. Force it. It's not easy. But you're gonna force it,” I remind myself during challenging workouts. This mental approach helps overcome the initial resistance that often prevents people from maintaining consistent exercise routines.
Start Where You Are
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. Whether you can lift 5 pounds or 200 pounds, the important thing is to start somewhere. “Just little by little, we are going to be fine,” is the mindset that leads to sustainable progress.
My own journey on the treadmill illustrates this principle. I once could run at higher speeds (levels 9-10), but currently work between speeds 5-7 based on my current fitness level. The goal isn't perfection but progression—challenging yourself appropriately while acknowledging your current capabilities.
The Reward of Persistence
The most encouraging aspect of returning to exercise after illness was experiencing the immediate benefits: “I was cold before, but now I'm sweating” and “My energy level is coming back.” Even a short workout produced noticeable improvements in how I felt.
By the end of just one session, I could feel my body responding positively, burning calories and rebuilding the stamina I had temporarily lost. This rapid feedback loop is one of exercise's greatest motivators—your body quickly shows appreciation for the effort you invest.
Health as the Foundation
Perhaps the most important lesson from my experience is recognizing that health forms the foundation for everything else in life: “When you are in good health, you can achieve all. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This perspective transforms exercise from an optional activity into an essential investment in your future capabilities and opportunities. Taking care of your body isn't just about aesthetics—it's about maintaining the vehicle that carries you through life and enables you to pursue your dreams.
So the next time you're considering skipping a workout, remember that consistent movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining health, energy, and the ability to fully participate in life. Your body will thank you for pushing it when it doesn't want to move, and the rewards extend far beyond physical appearance to enhance every aspect of your life.
