The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Sickness Through Exercise

After several days of feeling unwell and avoiding exercise, a fitness enthusiast shares their journey back to physical activity. The lack of movement had caused stiffness throughout their body, from legs to toes, highlighting the importance of consistent exercise for maintaining flexibility and overall health.

“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. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff.”

Despite still experiencing some symptoms including neck pain, headache, and nasal congestion, they committed to a short 20-minute workout to reinvigorate their body. This determination demonstrates how exercise can be a tool for recovery when implemented appropriately.

The Mental Battle of Fitness

One of the most valuable insights shared was about the mental aspect of fitness: “It is hard to dress nice… But very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight.”

The solution? Taking control rather than being controlled. “You need to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body. Control your mouth,” they advised. This mindset of discipline extends beyond exercise to nutrition choices as well.

“It’s not easy. But you’re gonna force it,” they emphasized, acknowledging the difficulty while encouraging persistence.

Gradual Improvement

The session demonstrated measurable progress compared to the previous day’s attempt. “Yesterday I cannot sustain this jogging for five minutes. No stop five minutes jogging,” they noted, celebrating their increased stamina.

This improvement reinforced an important message about health: “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.”

Starting Small

For those intimidated by fitness, they offered reassurance about starting at an appropriate level: “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.”

Their own workout demonstrated this principle, as they adjusted the treadmill speed to match their current ability. “I used to put up to nine. But now, I can do up to seven, but not 10, not 11, not 12,” they shared, showing how fitness levels can fluctuate but remain adaptable.

By the end of the short session, nearly 200 calories had been burned, and there was a noticeable improvement in energy levels. “My energy level is coming back,” they repeated, confirming the immediate benefits of returning to physical activity even after a brief illness.

This journey serves as a reminder that consistency in exercise provides benefits beyond physical appearance, contributing significantly to overall wellbeing and recovery.