The Importance of Consistency in Exercise After Illness
Getting back to exercise after being sick can be challenging, but maintaining consistency is crucial for recovery and overall health. This was demonstrated recently by a fitness enthusiast who shared their experience of returning to exercise after several days of illness.
“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.”
This experience highlights an important health concept: prolonged inactivity, especially during illness, can lead to muscle stiffness, discomfort, and a decline in overall physical condition. The body needs regular movement to maintain flexibility and strength.
Despite still experiencing some symptoms—”I still feel my neck, my head is aching, my nose is running”—they made the decision to start with light jogging to reactivate their body. This gradual approach to returning to fitness is recommended by health experts, who suggest easing back into routines rather than jumping immediately to pre-illness intensity levels.
Mind Over Matter: The Mental Challenge of Exercise
One of the most insightful observations shared was about the mental aspect of maintaining fitness: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you—you control your body.”
This philosophy of mind over matter is particularly relevant when returning to exercise after a break. The mental hurdles can sometimes be more challenging than the physical ones, requiring determination and self-discipline.
“Control your mouth. Control your lungs. Control your belly… And then force your body to move. Force it. It’s not easy. But you’re gonna force it,” they advised.
The Progressive Approach to Fitness
Another valuable point made was about the importance of starting where you are, not where you think you should be: “We must not lift 100 pounds to be healthy. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If we cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
This incremental approach to fitness is supported by research showing that consistent, moderate exercise can provide significant health benefits, even if it doesn’t meet the intensity levels of more advanced workouts.
The session demonstrated a practical application of this principle. Starting with a moderate jogging pace, they monitored their endurance level: “I just want to see when I will get tired.” This self-awareness and willingness to work within current capabilities rather than pushing too hard too soon is essential for sustainable fitness progress.
The Link Between Health and Achievement
Perhaps most notably, they emphasized the connection between physical health and overall life achievement: “Your health is wealth. When you are in good health, you can achieve. It’s only when you are sick that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This perspective frames exercise not as a luxury or optional activity, but as a fundamental enabler of productivity and success in all areas of life.
By the end of the short workout session, they were already noting improvements in energy levels: “My energy level is coming back,” demonstrating how quickly the body can respond positively to movement, even after a period of illness.
For those looking to maintain or restart their fitness journey, especially after illness, the key takeaways are clear: start gradually, be consistent, push through mental barriers, and recognize that even small steps forward contribute significantly to overall health and wellness.