The Power of Exercise: How to Push Through When You’re Feeling Sick

Exercise can be challenging even on our best days, but maintaining physical activity when recovering from illness presents a unique set of challenges. A recent fitness enthusiast shared her journey of returning to exercise after several days of illness, highlighting the importance of perseverance even when our bodies resist movement.

“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” she 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 Mental Battle of Exercise

One of the most significant insights shared was the mental aspect of maintaining fitness habits. “It is very hard to dress as nice, but very easy to get weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight,” she observed, highlighting a universal truth many fitness enthusiasts understand all too well.

The solution? Taking control rather than letting our bodies dictate our actions. “You need to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body. Control your mouth,” she advised. This philosophy of mindful discipline extends beyond just exercise to eating habits as well.

Recovery and Progress

The gradual nature of recovery became evident as she compared her current workout to previous days. “If it was yesterday, I cannot sustain this jogging for five minutes! No stop five minutes jogging! If it was two days ago, that was the worst!”

This progression demonstrates how quickly our bodies can begin to recover when we reintroduce physical activity, even in small doses. By her own assessment, her energy levels were noticeably improving during the workout.

Starting Small and Building Consistency

Perhaps the most valuable advice offered was about starting at an appropriate level rather than aiming too high initially. “We must not be professional as well! We must not lift 100 pounds! 200 pounds! Just start by lifting 10 pounds! 5 pounds!”

This incremental approach to fitness applies to cardiovascular exercise as well. When discussing treadmill settings, she noted, “When I lose weight, I’ll start running 10… If I put it now, I will fall! Because of my weight! But I used to put seven, I used to put up to seven!”

The Results of Persistence

By the end of the short 20-minute workout, the positive effects were already apparent. “I was cold now, but now I’m sweating!” she noted, having burned nearly 200 calories during the session.

The experience demonstrates how even a brief workout can help restart a fitness routine after illness, gradually rebuilding stamina and energy levels that may have diminished during recovery.

The Takeaway

Returning to exercise after illness requires patience, perseverance, and an understanding of your body’s limitations. Starting with manageable goals and gradually increasing intensity allows for sustainable progress without risking setbacks.

Remember that consistency matters more than intensity, especially when rebuilding fitness habits. Small, regular workouts can help maintain momentum and prevent the stiffness and discomfort that often accompany extended periods of inactivity.