Why You Shouldn't Skip Exercise Even When You're Sick: A Personal Recovery Story
Getting back to exercise after being sick can be challenging, but the consequences of extended inactivity can be worse than you might expect. After several days of feeling unwell and avoiding workouts, I experienced firsthand how quickly the body can become stiff and uncomfortable.
The lack of movement left me with pain throughout my body – from my legs to my back, even down to my toes. This discomfort was a stark reminder that our bodies are designed to move, and extended periods of inactivity can lead to surprising amounts of pain and stiffness.
The Mental Battle of Exercise Recovery
When returning to fitness after illness, the mental challenge often exceeds the physical one. As I started my recovery workout with some light jogging, I had to constantly remind myself that controlling my body – not letting it control me – was the key to getting back on track.
This principle applies to fitness in general: it's very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain it. The difference lies in how we approach our fitness journey. Success comes from taking control of our choices rather than letting momentary cravings or discomfort dictate our actions.
Starting Small But Starting Anyway
You don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. Even when recovering from illness, small efforts matter:
- You don't need to lift 100 pounds – start with just 5 or 10
- Short jogging sessions can rebuild stamina gradually
- Listen to your body but don't let discomfort stop you completely
During my recovery workout, I paid close attention to how long I could sustain jogging. While I couldn't maintain the same pace or duration as before my illness, each minute of movement helped wake up my body and begin the recovery process.
The Importance of Progression
Before getting sick, I could run at higher speeds on the treadmill – up to speed level 7 or 9. The maximum setting of 12 remained aspirational. During recovery, I needed to adjust my expectations and work within my current capabilities.
This approach demonstrates an important principle of fitness: progression matters more than perfection. Whether you're recovering from illness or just beginning your fitness journey, each workout builds on the last, gradually increasing your strength and endurance.
The Reward of Pushing Through
By the end of my short 20-minute workout, I had burned nearly 200 calories and could already feel my energy returning. The initial discomfort gave way to the familiar satisfaction of movement, and the mental fog of illness began to clear.
This experience reinforces what fitness experts have long known: moderate exercise can actually speed recovery from many common illnesses by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune function.
Don't let temporary setbacks derail your fitness journey. Even when you're not feeling your best, finding ways to move your body – even briefly and gently – can prevent the painful stiffness of inactivity and help you return to full strength more quickly.
