The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Illness Through Exercise
Returning to exercise after illness can be challenging, but it’s often a crucial step in recovery. This was recently demonstrated by an individual who shared their experience of getting back to physical activity after feeling sick for several days.
“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 lack of movement had noticeable negative effects: “That did not help me at all. Not exercising did not help me, 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.”
Taking the First Steps
Despite still experiencing symptoms including neck pain, headache, and nasal congestion, they decided to push through with a short 20-minute workout session. This determination highlights an important aspect of fitness recovery – sometimes you need to gently force your body back into motion.
“You need to do it to push your body. You force it, not letting your body control you,” they advised. “Control your mouth, control your belly, control everything and then force your body to move. Force it, it’s not easy but you’ve got to force it.”
Monitoring Progress
Using a treadmill with various settings including speed controls, incline options, and calorie tracking, they were able to monitor their workout effectively. They noted that they previously could run at higher speeds (up to speed level 9) but were currently limiting themselves to level 7 due to their current condition and weight considerations.
“When I lose weight I will start running ten because that way you have to pop up. If I put it now I will fall if I put ten I will fall because of my weight,” they explained, showing awareness of their current limitations while maintaining future goals.
The Importance of Health for Achievement
During the exercise session, they emphasized the connection between health and achieving 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.”
They also offered encouragement for beginners: “We need to run, we need to exercise anyhow we can. We must not be professional as well. You must not lift 100 pounds… just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
Signs of Recovery
By the end of the session, there were clear signs of improvement, with energy levels visibly returning. The workout had progressed to burning nearly 200 calories, and the individual felt noticeably better compared to previous days.
“I’m doing better today. Doing great,” they shared, demonstrating how even a short exercise session can help in recovery from illness.
This experience serves as a reminder that consistent physical activity is crucial for maintaining overall health, and that returning to exercise after illness, even gradually, can help restore energy and wellness.