The Journey Back to Fitness After Illness: Pushing Through When Your Body Resists
Returning to exercise after illness can be challenging, but it’s an essential step toward reclaiming your health and vitality. This was clearly demonstrated in a recent fitness journey where the individual had been feeling sick for several days and experienced the negative effects of inactivity.
“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. The consequences of this brief hiatus from physical activity were noticeable – stiffness throughout the body, particularly in the legs, and even pain in the toes and nails due to lack of movement.
The Importance of Pushing Through
Despite still experiencing symptoms including headache and nasal congestion, the determination to get moving again prevailed. This highlights an important aspect of fitness – sometimes we need to push our bodies rather than allowing our temporary discomfort to dictate our actions.
“It’s not easy. But you’re gonna force it,” was the mindset adopted. This approach emphasizes taking control rather than allowing your body’s momentary resistance to determine your choices: “Not letting your body control you. You control your body. Control your mouth.”
Starting Small and Building Gradually
The fitness session demonstrated the principle of gradual progression. Rather than attempting to return to previous performance levels immediately, the focus was on a shorter 20-minute workout to reactivate the body.
“We must not be professional as well. We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds. Some of them cannot lift 10 pounds. Just little by little we are going to be fine.”
This approach to fitness is accessible to everyone, regardless of their current fitness level or limitations.
The Rewards of Consistency
Even within this short session, progress was visible. From being unable to sustain jogging for five minutes the previous day, energy levels were noticeably improving.
“I’m sweating now. I was cold now, but now I’m sweating,” they noted, a sign that the body was responding positively to the reintroduction of exercise.
Adapting to Your Current Abilities
Another valuable lesson shared was about adapting exercise intensity to your current capabilities. When discussing treadmill settings, there was an honest assessment of limitations: “When I lose weight, I’ll start running 10… If I put it now, I will fall.”
This self-awareness is crucial for safe and effective exercise. Recognizing where you are today while keeping sight of future goals ensures steady progress without injury.
The Connection Between Health and Achievement
Perhaps most importantly, the session emphasized the fundamental connection between physical health and our ability to achieve life goals: “Your health is what? When you are in good health, you can achieve. It’s only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This perspective frames exercise not merely as a physical activity but as an essential foundation for accomplishing whatever matters to you in life.
For anyone struggling to maintain consistency with exercise or returning after illness, remember that every small effort counts. The journey back to fitness isn’t always linear, but with persistence and a willingness to adapt, your energy and strength will return.