Why You Shouldn't Skip Exercise When Feeling Sick: A Personal Experience
We've all been there – feeling under the weather and using it as an excuse to skip our regular workouts. But as many fitness enthusiasts discover, sometimes the lack of exercise can actually make you feel worse.
After several days of feeling sick and skipping workouts, I experienced firsthand how quickly the body can become stiff and uncomfortable. Stretching became painful – even the back of my legs, nails, and toes were affected by my brief hiatus from physical activity.
The Surprising Impact of Missing Just a Few Workouts
What was most surprising was how rapidly my body responded negatively to just a couple weeks without proper exercise. The stiffness, discomfort, and general malaise were powerful reminders of why consistency matters in fitness.
Mental Toughness in Fitness
Getting back into exercise when you're not feeling 100% requires mental discipline. Remember these key principles:
- Don't let your body control you – control your body
- Control your eating habits and cravings
- Force your body to move, even when it's challenging
- Start small if needed, but start somewhere
As the saying goes, it's very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain it. This is why consistent exercise is crucial to maintaining your fitness goals.
Starting Small: The Importance of Manageable Goals
You don't need to be a professional athlete or lift hundreds of pounds to benefit from exercise. Starting with just 5 or 10 pounds and gradually increasing the intensity can lead to significant improvements over time.
For cardio exercise, finding your comfortable pace is essential. Whether it's jogging at speed level 3, 5, or 7, what matters is that you're moving your body and burning calories.
The Recovery Process
After a period of illness or inactivity, your body needs time to rebuild its stamina. In my case, returning to jogging after feeling sick was challenging, but each day brought improvement. By the third day, my energy levels had noticeably increased.
The feeling of sweat returning after days of feeling cold and lethargic is one of the most rewarding sensations – it's your body coming back to life and responding to the physical demands you're placing on it.
Conclusion
Your health is your most valuable asset. When you're in good health, you can pursue your goals and live life to the fullest. Even during periods of illness or low energy, finding ways to safely move your body can help maintain your fitness level and potentially speed recovery.
Remember that consistency trumps intensity. A short, manageable workout is infinitely better than no workout at all. Listen to your body, but don't let temporary discomfort prevent you from maintaining the healthy habits that support your long-term wellbeing.
