The Importance of Exercise After Illness: A Personal Recovery Journey

After several days of feeling sick and avoiding physical activity, the consequences of inactivity became painfully apparent. Stiffness settled into muscles, stretching became difficult, and even basic movements caused discomfort throughout the body – from legs to neck and even toes.

“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system. That did not help me at all,” the fitness enthusiast shared during a recent workout session. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff.”

The Challenge of Getting Back on Track

One of the most difficult aspects of maintaining fitness is the imbalance between effort and results. As many fitness experts point out, “It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight.” This reality makes consistent exercise all the more important, especially following periods of illness or inactivity.

The key to success appears to be mental discipline: “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,” was the advice shared during the workout. “That’s why when you feel like eating a snack, you say, ‘No, I will not eat today. I will exercise instead.'”

Starting Small After Illness

Recovery doesn’t require extreme measures. The session demonstrated that even a moderate 20-minute workout can make a significant difference when returning to exercise after being unwell. “Your health is what matters. When you are in good health, you can achieve your goals,” was emphasized during the workout.

For those intimidated by fitness routines, the advice was clear: “We need to exercise anyhow we can. You must not be professional. You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Little by little, we are going to be fine.”

Measuring Progress

Using a treadmill with its built-in metrics provided tangible evidence of improvement. Monitoring calories burned, steps taken, incline levels, and speed settings creates accountability and motivation. The session highlighted how personal limitations should guide workout intensity – using speeds that challenge but don’t overwhelm.

“When I lose weight, I’ll start running at level 10,” was the goal shared. “I used to put up to seven. Before, I used to put up to nine. But now, I can do up to seven, but not 10, not 11, not 12. Twelve is the highest.”

Signs of Improvement

By the end of the short session, positive changes were already evident. Energy levels increased, and endurance improved compared to previous days. “If it was yesterday, I could not sustain this jogging for five minutes non-stop,” was the observation. “Two days ago was the worst.”

The workout concluded with nearly 200 calories burned and a noticeable improvement in energy levels – clear evidence that even after illness, the body can quickly respond to renewed physical activity.

The message was clear: consistent exercise, even at modest levels, is crucial for maintaining health and recovering from periods of illness or inactivity.