The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Sickness Through Exercise
After several days of feeling unwell, the importance of consistent exercise becomes even more apparent. When sickness forces us to pause our fitness routines, our bodies quickly remind us why regular movement matters.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system. That did not help me at all,” shares a fitness enthusiast who recently experienced this firsthand. “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.”
The Challenge of Getting Back on Track
Returning to exercise after illness presents unique challenges. The body feels weaker, energy levels are depleted, and motivation may be at an all-time low. Yet, this is precisely when movement becomes most critical.
“It is very hard to exercise but very easy to get weight. Very hard to lose weight, very easy to get weight. All you need to do is to push your body, you force it. Not letting your body control you – you control your body, control your mouth.”
This philosophy of mind over matter becomes essential during recovery periods. When feeling unwell, even five minutes of continuous jogging can feel impossible. But each day of consistent effort brings improvement.
Gradual Progress is Still Progress
The fitness journey doesn’t require professional-level performance, especially when rebuilding strength after illness.
“We need to exercise anyhow we can. We must not be professional as well. You must not lift 100 pounds to feel accomplished. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, five pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
This incremental approach applies to all aspects of fitness. Whether it’s adjusting the speed on a treadmill (from level 3 to 7 instead of the maximum 12) or reducing the duration of workouts, modifications make returning to exercise possible.
The Rewards of Perseverance
The benefits of pushing through discomfort become evident quickly. “I’m sweating now. I was cold before, but now I’m sweating,” notes our fitness enthusiast, describing the positive changes experienced during just one workout session.
With each movement, energy levels increase, calories burn (approaching 200 in one short session), and the body begins its return to normal functioning.
Health as the Foundation for Achievement
Perhaps most importantly, this experience reinforces the fundamental connection between health and achievement.
“Your health is what matters. When you are in good health, you can achieve your goals. It’s only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
This perspective transforms exercise from a purely aesthetic pursuit into something far more essential: the foundation upon which all other accomplishments are built.
By listening to the body while gently challenging its limits, we can overcome periods of illness and return to our fitness routines stronger and more appreciative of our health than before.