The Importance of Maintaining Exercise Routines Even During Illness

Getting back into exercise after a period of illness can be challenging, but it’s often necessary for overall recovery and wellbeing. A recent personal account demonstrates how even a short break from physical activity can lead to stiffness, pain, and decreased energy levels.

After feeling sick for several days and avoiding exercise, the individual experienced significant physical discomfort. “I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system. That did not help me at all,” they explained. The lack of movement resulted in stiffness throughout their body, particularly in the back of their legs, causing considerable pain.

Despite still experiencing symptoms including headache and nasal congestion, they made the decision to push through with a light workout. “I still feel my neck, my head is aching, my nose is running, but I will be fine,” they noted, highlighting the determination needed to restart an exercise routine.

The Challenge of Weight Management

The experience underscores a common frustration for many: “It is very hard to exercise, but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight.” This reality check serves as motivation for maintaining consistency in physical activity.

A key insight shared was the importance of mental discipline in health maintenance: “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you.” This approach extends beyond exercise to nutrition as well, emphasizing the need to “control your mouth” and make conscious decisions about eating habits.

Starting Small and Building Consistency

For those looking to begin or restart an exercise regimen, the advice is clear – start with manageable goals. “You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds… Just little by little. We are going to be fine.”

The individual demonstrated this principle by jogging at a moderate pace, noting that just the previous day they “could not sustain jogging for five minutes.” This progression shows how quickly the body can begin to respond to renewed activity.

Monitoring Progress

Using a treadmill with features that track calories burned, incline, and speed helped provide measurable feedback during the workout. The individual noted they were approaching 200 calories burned in their short session, providing tangible evidence of their effort.

While they once could maintain higher speeds (levels 7-9 on their equipment), they currently needed to adjust expectations based on their current fitness level and recent illness. This adaptability is crucial for sustainable fitness routines.

The overall message remains clear: even short periods of inactivity can significantly impact how we feel, but consistent effort, even when starting small, can help restore energy and physical wellbeing.