Returning to Exercise After Illness: A Personal Journey of Recovery
After several days of illness and inactivity, getting back to exercise can be challenging but essential for recovery. This was the experience shared during a recent workout session where the importance of movement in overcoming physical stiffness and regaining energy was highlighted.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” the fitness enthusiast explained. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”
The Struggle of Returning to Activity
Despite experiencing headaches and nasal congestion, the determination to push through discomfort and restart a fitness routine was evident. The short 20-minute workout was designed to gradually reintroduce the body to movement after illness.
“It’s very hard to exercise, but very easy to gain weight,” was a poignant observation shared during the session. “Very hard to lose weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you.”
Mental Discipline in Fitness
The workout emphasized the mental aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the importance of self-control:
- Control your mouth and eating habits
- Resist unnecessary cravings
- Force your body to move even when it feels difficult
“When you are in good health, you can achieve. It’s only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals. That is why we need to run. We need to exercise anyhow we can.”
Starting Small for Sustainable Results
An important message conveyed was that fitness doesn’t require professional-level intensity from the beginning. “We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds,” suggesting that starting small and being consistent is more valuable than attempting too much too soon.
The session demonstrated the use of a treadmill with various settings, including different speed levels and inclines, with the recommendation to adjust based on personal fitness level and weight.
The Reward of Persistence
By the end of the workout, positive results were already noticeable. “I was cold before, but now I’m sweating. My energy level is coming back,” showing how even a short exercise session can help restore vitality after illness.
The journey from feeling unwell to gradually rebuilding strength serves as a reminder that fitness is not just about physical appearance but about maintaining the energy and health needed to pursue life’s goals.