Why You Shouldn't Skip Exercise Even When You're Feeling Sick
After several days of feeling under the weather and skipping workouts, I experienced firsthand how quickly the body can become stiff and uncomfortable. Despite battling headaches and congestion, I decided it was time to get moving again – and the results were immediate.
When I avoided exercise while sick, my body suffered more than it helped. The lack of movement caused stiffness throughout my body – from my legs to my back, even down to my toes. Everything hurt due to inactivity, which only compounded how terrible I felt from being sick.
The Challenge of Getting Back to Exercise
It's incredibly difficult to exercise regularly but remarkably easy to gain weight. This fundamental truth of fitness is something we all struggle with. The key is learning to control your body rather than letting your body control you.
Control is essential – control your mouth, your cravings, and your impulses. When you feel like indulging, you need to say no. When your body wants to stay in bed, you need to force it to move. It's not easy, but it's necessary.
Starting Small Makes a Difference
You don't need to be a professional athlete or lift hundreds of pounds to benefit from exercise. Start with what you can handle – even if that's just 5 or 10 pounds. Progress happens gradually, and consistency matters more than intensity.
For cardio exercise, the same principle applies. I used to run at higher speeds on the treadmill, but currently I'm working at a pace that matches my current fitness level. When I lose more weight, I'll increase the speed again. The important thing is matching your workout to your current abilities while still challenging yourself.
The Immediate Benefits of Movement
Even after just a short workout, I could feel the difference. My energy started returning, and though I was tired from the exercise, it was a healthy kind of fatigue – not the dragging exhaustion of being sick.
I began the workout feeling cold, but soon I was sweating as my circulation improved. My body was waking up after days of lethargy, and despite still recovering from illness, I felt significantly better than I had while resting.
Your Health Is Your Foundation
When you're in good health, you can achieve your goals. It's only when you can't do certain things that your dreams become unattainable. That's why we need to prioritize movement in whatever way we can – it's the foundation that makes everything else possible.
Don't wait until you feel 100% to get moving again. Sometimes, the movement itself is exactly what your body needs to start healing and regaining strength.
