Why You Shouldn't Stop Exercising Even When Sick: A Personal Journey
Taking a break from exercise when you're feeling under the weather seems like the logical choice. However, as I recently discovered, completely stopping your fitness routine can sometimes do more harm than good. After feeling sick for several days and skipping my workouts, I experienced increased stiffness, pain while stretching, and discomfort throughout my body.
The lesson was clear: maintaining at least some level of movement, even during illness, is crucial for overall well-being. While high-intensity workouts might not be appropriate when you're sick, gentle stretching and light activity can help prevent the muscle stiffness and discomfort that comes from complete inactivity.
The Challenging Reality of Fitness
Let's face it: “It is very hard to exercise. But very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight.” This truth resonates with many of us on our fitness journeys. The path to better health isn't always comfortable, but it's necessary.
The key is developing mental discipline. You must “control your body, not let your body control you.” This means sometimes pushing through discomfort (though never through genuine pain or serious illness) and making consistent choices that align with your health goals.
Starting Small: The Path to Success
You don't need to be a fitness professional or lift heavy weights to benefit from exercise. “You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds.” The important thing is beginning somewhere and gradually building your strength and endurance.
This approach applies to cardio exercise as well. As your fitness improves, you can gradually increase intensity. For instance, on a treadmill, you might start at speeds 2-3, then work your way up to 5-7 as your endurance builds. The highest settings (10-12) represent goals to work toward over time.
The Benefits of Consistency
Consistent exercise offers numerous benefits beyond weight management. Regular workouts can:
- Boost your energy levels
- Improve your mood
- Enhance sleep quality
- Strengthen your immune system
- Increase overall resilience
Even on days when you don't feel your best, finding ways to incorporate some movement—whether it's gentle stretching, a short walk, or light yoga—helps maintain the habit and prevents the stiffness that comes from complete inactivity.
Listen to Your Body While Challenging It
There's a delicate balance between pushing yourself appropriately and respecting your body's limits. When recovering from illness, it's especially important to ease back into exercise gradually.
Start with shorter sessions at lower intensity, then build back up as your strength returns. Pay attention to how you feel during and after workouts, adjusting as necessary.
Remember that your health is foundational to everything else you want to accomplish. “When you are in good health, you can achieve. It's only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or returning after a break, the most important step is simply to start moving again. Your body will thank you.
