The Importance of Consistency in Exercise: A Personal Journey to Recovery
After several days of illness and physical inactivity, returning to exercise can be challenging but necessary. This was recently demonstrated by a fitness enthusiast who shared their experience of getting back to working out after feeling sick for some time.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” they explained. “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 knees, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”
The Challenge of Getting Back on Track
The road to recovery begins with acknowledging that our bodies need movement, even when we don’t feel our best. This fitness journey demonstrates the real struggle many face – pushing through initial discomfort to regain physical wellness.
“It is very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain weight,” they noted during their workout. “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you – you control your body. Control your mouth. Control your belly.”
Small Steps Lead to Progress
Starting small is key when returning to exercise after illness. The workout featured a moderate jogging session on a treadmill, with careful attention to energy levels and physical capacity.
“You must not lift 100 pounds to exercise. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine,” they advised.
This gradual approach was evident in their own practice, as they mentioned previously being able to run at higher speeds (levels 7-9) on the treadmill, but currently limiting themselves to a more manageable pace as they rebuild strength.
Monitoring Progress
Using the treadmill’s metrics to track calories burned (approaching 200 during the session) provided tangible evidence of progress. This kind of feedback can be motivating when returning to fitness after a setback.
“My energy level is coming back,” they noted toward the end of the workout, highlighting the immediate positive effects of even a short exercise session.
The Mind-Body Connection
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is the mental shift that occurs when we choose to exercise despite not feeling our best: “No more lying down. I got up. I shake my body. No more sickness. No more headache.”
This determination illustrates how physical activity can help us reclaim agency over our health and wellbeing, especially after illness has left us feeling powerless.
Whether you’re recovering from sickness or simply trying to establish a consistent fitness routine, remember that the journey begins with a decision to move forward, one step at a time.