The Journey to Recovery: Pushing Through Exercise After Illness
Getting back into exercise after being sick can be challenging, but it’s an essential step toward recovery. This was demonstrated during a recent workout session where determination played a key role in overcoming physical limitations.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” the fitness enthusiast shared. “That did not help me at all. Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff.”
The consequences of skipping exercise were notable: stiffness in various muscle groups, including leg muscles, and even pain in areas like the neck and head. This experience reinforces what many health experts emphasize – that maintaining regular physical activity is crucial for overall wellbeing.
Mental Determination in Physical Recovery
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from this session was the mental approach to exercise after illness. Even while experiencing symptoms like headache and nasal congestion, the decision to push through was deliberate and strategic.
“It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight,” was a candid observation shared during the workout. This reality check was followed by practical advice: “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you – you control your body.”
This concept of mind over matter was repeatedly emphasized: “Control your mouth. That’s why when you feel like eating a snack, you say no. I will not eat today’s snack. I will exercise instead.”
Starting Small for Sustainable Progress
An important aspect highlighted during the session was the value of starting with manageable goals. “We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. Five pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
The workout session demonstrated progressive improvement over previous days. “If it was yesterday, I could not sustain this jogging for five minutes non-stop. If it was two days ago, that was the worst.”
By the end of the session, there were clear signs of recovery: “I was cold before but now I’m sweating. My energy level is coming back.”
The Role of Equipment in Recovery
Using appropriate exercise equipment was also discussed. The workout took place on a treadmill with various features including calorie tracking, incline settings, and speed controls. The importance of selecting appropriate intensity levels based on current fitness and weight was emphasized.
“When I lose weight I’ll start running at 10 (speed), because at that level you have to really move. If I put it at that level now, I would fall because of my weight.”
Conclusion
Recovery through exercise isn’t simply about physical movement—it’s about reclaiming control over your health journey. As demonstrated in this workout session, even when facing physical discomfort, taking small steps toward activity can yield significant benefits for energy levels and overall wellbeing.
Remember that exercise doesn’t require professional-level intensity to be effective. Starting with what your body can handle today builds the foundation for greater capabilities tomorrow.