The Journey Back to Fitness: Overcoming Sickness Through Exercise
Recovery after illness can be challenging, but maintaining a consistent exercise routine is crucial for rebuilding strength and energy. One fitness enthusiast recently shared their experience of returning to exercise after being sick for several days, highlighting the importance of persistence even when the body feels resistant.
“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. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”
The fitness journey documented shows a gradual return to activity with a 20-minute workout focused on getting the body moving again despite lingering symptoms including neck pain, headache, and nasal congestion.
Mind Over Matter: Controlling Your Body
A key theme emphasized throughout was the importance of mental discipline in fitness: “It is very hard to dress nice, but very easy to gain 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.”
This approach extends to dietary habits as well: “Control your mouth. That’s why when you feel like eating something unhealthy, you say no. Control your mouth. Control your belly. Control everything. And then force your body to move.”
Gradual Progress Is Still Progress
The article documents the improvement in stamina from being unable to sustain jogging for five minutes just days before to completing a longer session. “No more laying down. I got up and I shake my body. No more laying down. No more sickness,” they noted about their recovery.
An important reminder for fitness beginners was also shared: “We need to exercise anyhow we can. You must not be professional. 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.”
Adjusting Intensity Based on Fitness Level
The workout session included insights on using equipment at appropriate intensity levels. For instance, when using a treadmill, they recommended adjusting the speed settings based on your current fitness level and weight.
“When I lose weight, I’ll start running at level 10. I used to go up to level seven before, but now I can’t do levels 10, 11, or 12. Level 12 is the highest,” they explained, demonstrating how to modify workouts to match current capabilities.
By the end of the short session, they had burned nearly 200 calories and noted: “My energy level is coming back,” – a testament to how even brief exercise sessions can contribute to recovery and overall wellbeing.
The journey back to fitness after illness reminds us all that consistency, patience, and listening to your body while gradually pushing its limits are key components of a sustainable fitness routine.