The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Sickness Through Exercise

Getting back into exercise after illness can be challenging, but the benefits are worth the effort. One fitness enthusiast recently shared their experience of returning to workouts after feeling sick for several days, noting how the lack of physical activity had affected their body.

“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and it did not do any good for my system,” they explained. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”

The Importance of Pushing Through

Despite still experiencing symptoms like headache and nasal congestion, they decided to start with a short 20-minute workout to gradually rebuild their stamina. This approach highlights an important aspect of fitness recovery—starting small and building back up gradually.

“It’s very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain weight,” they observed. “All you need to do is to push your body. Force it. Don’t let your body control you—you control your body.”

Monitoring Progress

Using a treadmill with various settings, they tracked calories burned and adjusted speed settings based on personal capacity. “If you are using 3, you are using 2, you are using 5. 5 is speed running,” they explained about the treadmill settings. “Before, I used to put up to 9. But now, I can do up to 7. Not 10. Not 11. Not 12. 12 is the highest.”

Benefits of Consistent Exercise

The positive effects of returning to exercise were almost immediate. “I’m sweating now. I was cold before, but now I’m sweating,” they noted during the workout. By the end of the session, they had burned nearly 200 calories and could feel their energy levels returning.

This experience reinforces what health experts consistently advise: regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Even during recovery from illness, gentle exercise can often help the body bounce back more quickly.

Starting Your Own Fitness Journey

For those looking to begin or resume their fitness routines, the message is clear: start where you are with what you have. “It must not be professional. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little, we are going to be fine.”

Whether you’re recovering from illness or simply starting a new fitness regimen, the key is consistency and gradual progression. Your health is the foundation upon which all other achievements are built.