The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Sickness Through Exercise
After several days of feeling unwell and neglecting exercise, a fitness enthusiast shares their journey back to physical activity. The individual describes how the lack of exercise led to stiffness in various parts of their body, including legs, back, and even toes, causing considerable discomfort.
“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,” they explain, highlighting how inactivity actually worsened their condition.
Despite still experiencing symptoms such as headache and nasal congestion, they committed to a short 20-minute workout to begin rehabilitating their body. This determination exemplifies how pushing through initial discomfort can be the first step toward recovery.
Mind Over Matter: The Mental Challenge of Fitness
The individual emphasizes the psychological aspects of maintaining fitness: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not let your body control you, but control your body.”
This mental discipline extends to dietary choices as well. “Control your mouth. That’s why when you feel like eating something unhealthy, you say, ‘No, I will not eat that. I will exercise instead.'”
Gradual Progress and Realistic Expectations
An important message in the fitness journey is the value of starting small and building gradually. The individual notes that you don’t need to lift heavy weights to make progress: “Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. If you cannot lift 10 pounds, start with what you can manage. Little by little, we are going to be fine.”
When discussing treadmill settings, they mention adjusting speed based on 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.” This realistic approach acknowledges limitations while still pushing boundaries.
The Rewards of Perseverance
By the end of the short workout session, the individual reports noticeable improvements: “I was cold before, but now I’m sweating. My energy level is coming back.”
This immediate feedback demonstrates how even a brief return to exercise can begin to reverse the negative effects of inactivity and illness. The determination to continue despite fatigue shows the mindset necessary for long-term fitness success.
The experience serves as a reminder of the fundamental connection between health and achievement: “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.”