The Struggle and Triumph of Returning to Exercise After Illness

Returning to an exercise routine after being sick can be challenging both mentally and physically. As one fitness enthusiast recently discovered, even a brief period of inactivity can result in stiffness, pain, and decreased stamina.

“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my sister,” they shared during a recent workout session. “Not exercising did not help me at all, 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 Fitness

Perhaps the most significant challenge when returning to fitness is the mental component. It requires determination and self-discipline to push through the initial discomfort.

“It is very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain weight,” they noted during their comeback workout. “You need to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body. Control your mouth. That’s the way you feel like. It is your mama. You say, no. I will not eat today. I will exercise.”

Starting Small

The key to returning to fitness after a break is starting with manageable goals. During this particular session, the focus was on light jogging and monitoring progress.

“We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If we cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine,” they advised.

This gradual approach applies to cardio exercise as well. The individual noted they were using a moderate speed setting on their treadmill: “If I put 10, I will fall. Because of my weight. But I used to put seven. I used to put up to seven. Before, I used to put up to nine.”

Celebrating Small Victories

An important part of the fitness journey is acknowledging progress, no matter how small. By the end of the session, there was a noticeable improvement in energy and stamina.

“My energy level is coming back,” they reported proudly after burning nearly 200 calories during their session.

The Importance of Consistency

Health and fitness are ongoing journeys that require consistency. As was pointed out during the workout: “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.”

For those looking to maintain or improve their fitness levels, the message is clear: consistency matters more than intensity, and small steps forward are still progress.