The Power of Perseverance: Bouncing Back from Illness Through Exercise

When illness strikes, it can be challenging to find the motivation to exercise. However, as demonstrated by a recent recovery journey, pushing through physical discomfort to maintain an exercise routine can significantly accelerate the healing process.

After feeling sick for several days and avoiding exercise, one fitness enthusiast discovered that inactivity only worsened their condition. “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 shared during a workout livestream. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff.”

The consequences of this brief sedentary period were immediate and uncomfortable. “I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise,” they explained.

Taking Control of Your Health

Despite still experiencing symptoms like headache and nasal congestion, the determination to exercise prevailed. This commitment exemplifies an important fitness philosophy: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight. All you need to do is to push your body. Force it. Not letting your body control you. Control your body.”

This approach extends beyond just movement to encompass dietary choices as well. “Control your mouth. When you feel like eating a snack, you say, no. I will not eat today’s snack. I will exercise. Just go ahead.”

Gradual Progress Is Key

The workout session revealed significant improvement compared to the previous day’s attempt. “Yesterday, I cannot sustain this jogging for five minutes. No stop, five minutes jogging,” they noted, celebrating the return of their energy and stamina.

An important reminder was shared for those beginning their fitness journey: start small and build gradually. “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.”

Monitoring Progress

Using a treadmill with features that track time, calories burned, and speed, the exerciser demonstrated how technology can help monitor progress. They explained their personal limits with speed settings: “It has up to 12. When I lose weight, I’ll start running 10… If I put it now, I will fall. Because of my weight. But I used to put seven.”

By the end of the session, nearly 200 calories had been burned—a testament to what can be accomplished even when recovering from illness.

The Importance of Health for Achievement

Perhaps the most powerful insight shared during this workout was about the fundamental connection between health and achievement: “Your health is what? When you are in good health, you can achieve. It’s only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”

This perspective serves as a powerful reminder that investing in physical wellbeing is essential for pursuing our broader life ambitions.