The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Illness and Building Consistency
Getting back into exercise after illness can be challenging, but the rewards of reclaiming your health make every effort worthwhile. This is precisely what one fitness enthusiast discovered after several days of feeling unwell.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” they shared during a recent workout session. “That did not help me at all. Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff.”
The Physical Toll of Inactivity
Even a short break from regular physical activity can have noticeable effects. “I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise,” they explained.
Despite still experiencing some symptoms—”I still feel my neck, my head is aching, my nose is running”—they made the decision to push through with a gentle workout to begin rebuilding their stamina.
The Mental Battle of Exercise
One of the most insightful observations shared was about the mental aspect of maintaining fitness: “It is very hard to lose weight. But this could be difficult with no activity.”
The key, according to them, is taking control rather than letting your body dictate your choices: “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body. Control your mouth.”
Starting Small and Building Consistency
The approach advocated isn’t about immediate perfection or extreme measures. “We must not be professional… We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
This gradual approach is evident in their own routine as well. They mentioned using different speed settings on their treadmill based on their current fitness level: “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.”
The Joy of Progress
By the end of the session, there was a noticeable shift in energy and outlook: “My energy level is coming back. I’m going to be able to do it.” This celebration of small victories—reaching 200 calories burned, maintaining a jogging pace—demonstrates how each workout contributes to rebuilding strength and confidence.
The overall message is clear: health is foundational to achieving other goals in life. “Your health is what? When you are in good health, you can achieve all. It’s only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
For anyone looking to restart their fitness journey after illness or inactivity, this experience offers valuable perspective on patience, persistence, and the importance of simply showing up for yourself, even when it’s difficult.