The Importance of Consistency in Exercise After Illness
Getting back into exercise after being sick can be challenging, but it’s essential for regaining strength and overall well-being. This was the experience shared by a fitness enthusiast who recently returned to their workout routine after several days of illness.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised, and that did not help me at all,” they explained. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”
The return to exercise wasn’t easy. With symptoms including neck pain, headache, and nasal congestion, pushing through the workout required determination. However, the improvement was noticeable even within a short time frame.
Mind Over Matter
One of the key insights shared was the importance of mental discipline in maintaining fitness: “It is very hard to exercise but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight, very easy to gain weight.”
The solution? “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. You control your body, not your body controlling you. Control your mouth. When you feel like eating something unhealthy, you say no.”
Starting Small
For those looking to begin or resume an exercise routine, the advice was clear – you don’t need to start with intense workouts:
“You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds, or even if you cannot lift 10 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
The importance of health as a foundation for achieving other goals was emphasized: “When you are in good health, you can achieve all. It’s only when you are unwell that you cannot achieve your goals.”
Tracking Progress
Using equipment with tracking features helped monitor the workout intensity. Starting with a comfortable speed setting before gradually increasing it was recommended, especially when returning after a break.
“If I put it on 10 now, I will fall because of my weight. I used to put it up to 7 before, I used to put up to 9. But now, I can do up to 7, but not 10, not 11, not 12.”
By the end of the brief 20-minute session, energy levels were noticeably improved, with plans already forming for future gym visits.
The Takeaway
This experience highlights several important fitness principles:
- Consistency matters – even short breaks from exercise can lead to discomfort when returning
- Start where you are – adjust intensity based on your current condition
- Mental discipline is as important as physical ability
- Even short workout sessions can boost energy and mood
- Gradual progression is key to sustainable fitness
Whether recovering from illness or simply getting back into exercise after a break, these principles can help anyone rebuild their fitness routine effectively and safely.