Why You Shouldn't Skip Exercise Even When You're Sick: A Personal Story
Have you ever noticed how quickly your body seems to stiffen up after just a few days without exercise? This is exactly what happened to me recently when I took time off due to illness. What I learned was a powerful reminder about the importance of maintaining a consistent fitness routine.
After feeling sick for several days and avoiding my usual workouts, I experienced stiffness throughout my entire body. My legs, back, and even my toes were painful. The lack of movement had made everything tight and uncomfortable. This experience reinforced what many fitness experts have been saying for years: consistent exercise is crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing discomfort.
Fighting Through Discomfort
Despite still feeling under the weather with a headache and congestion, I decided it was time to get moving again. I committed to a short 20-minute workout to ease back into my routine. This wasn't about pushing to my limits, but rather about reactivating my body after days of inactivity.
The initial minutes were challenging. My energy levels were low, and my body was resistant. But something interesting happened as I continued – I started feeling better. The fog began to lift, and my energy slowly returned.
Mind Over Matter
What this experience taught me is that fitness is often more mental than physical. As I pushed through the workout, I kept reminding myself of these important principles:
- Don't let your body control you – control your body
- Control your mouth and food choices
- Force your body to move, even when it's difficult
- Take command of your movements
This mindset is crucial when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's always easier to gain weight than to lose it, and it's always easier to skip a workout than to do one. The difference lies in taking control rather than allowing momentary discomfort to dictate your choices.
Starting Small Is Still Starting
An important realization from this experience is that you don't need to be a fitness professional to benefit from exercise. You don't need to lift heavy weights or run marathons to see improvements in your health.
Start by lifting just 5 or 10 pounds if that's what you can manage. Begin with short cardio sessions at a comfortable pace. What matters most is consistency and gradually building up your capabilities over time.
Tracking Progress
Using equipment with tracking features can be highly motivating during your fitness journey. My treadmill shows calories burned, distance, time, incline, and speed – all metrics that help me gauge my progress.
Before my illness, I could run at higher speeds (up to level 7). When I was in even better shape, I could manage level 9. The maximum setting is 12, which remains a goal to work toward. Having these concrete numbers gives me targets to aim for as I rebuild my stamina.
The Reward of Persistence
By the end of my short workout session, I had burned nearly 200 calories and, more importantly, I felt significantly better than when I started. My energy was returning, and the mental fog was lifting. This immediate feedback loop is one of the greatest rewards of exercise – you often feel better right away, even if you felt terrible at the beginning.
The next time you're tempted to skip a workout because you're not feeling 100%, consider starting with just a short, gentle session. You might be surprised at how quickly your body responds positively to movement, even when you're under the weather.
Remember: Your health is your wealth. When you're in good health, you can achieve almost anything. That's why it's worth investing the time and effort into regular exercise, no matter how simple or brief your workouts might be.
