Why You Shouldn't Skip Exercise – Even When You're Sick
When illness strikes, our first instinct is often to rest completely. While that's sometimes necessary, extended periods without movement can actually make recovery more difficult. This was recently highlighted by my own experience with a brief illness that left me feeling worse after several days of inactivity.
After feeling sick for a few days and avoiding exercise, I discovered that my body had become stiff and uncomfortable. Even basic stretching became painful – the back of my legs, my neck, and even my toes were affected. The lack of movement had made my recovery more challenging, not easier.
The Consequences of Extended Rest
When we completely stop moving during illness, several things happen:
- Muscles begin to stiffen and lose flexibility
- Circulation decreases
- Energy levels drop further
- Recovery can actually slow down
Even with symptoms like headaches and congestion, gentle movement can often help rather than hinder recovery. The key is finding the right balance between rest and activity.
Taking Control of Your Body
One of the most important aspects of fitness is learning to control your body rather than letting it control you. This applies both to exercise and nutrition:
“It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to gain weight,” which is why discipline matters so much. “All you need to do is push your body. Force it. Don't let your body control you. Control your body. Control your mouth.”
This mental discipline becomes particularly important when recovering from illness. Your body might want to remain sedentary, but gentle movement often accelerates healing.
Starting Small Is Key
You don't need to jump right back into intense workouts. In fact, that could be counterproductive. Instead, focus on gentle, progressive movement:
“We must not be professional. You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 5 pounds, 10 pounds. Little by little, we are going to be fine.”
For cardiovascular exercise, the same principle applies. If you normally run at high speeds, start with gentle walking or light jogging. Adjust intensity based on how you feel, and gradually work back to your normal routine.
The Connection Between Health and Achievement
“Your health is what? When you are in good health, you can achieve. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This perspective highlights why maintaining our physical wellbeing is about more than just appearance or fitness goals. Our health directly impacts our ability to pursue our dreams, care for our families, and enjoy our lives.
Finding Your Exercise Threshold
Each person's body responds differently to exercise, especially during or after illness. The key is to find your personal threshold – the point where you're challenging yourself without overexertion.
For some, this might mean reducing the speed on a treadmill from a usual 7-9 mph down to 5 mph. For others, it could mean switching from weights to bodyweight exercises temporarily.
The important thing is listening to your body while still giving it the movement it needs. As your energy returns, you can gradually increase intensity back to normal levels.
The Benefits of Consistent Movement
Even brief, gentle exercise sessions offer significant benefits:
- Improved circulation and lymphatic flow
- Reduced muscle stiffness and pain
- Enhanced mood through endorphin release
- Maintained metabolic function
- Better sleep quality
All of these factors can support faster recovery from illness while preventing the secondary issues that come from extended inactivity.
Remember that fitness isn't just about intense workouts – it's about consistent movement that supports your body's natural functions. Even during periods of illness, finding appropriate ways to keep moving can make a significant difference in how quickly you recover and how good you feel along the way.
