The Power of Perseverance: Returning to Exercise After Illness
Pushing through physical discomfort to maintain a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy, but it’s essential. After several days of feeling sick and avoiding exercise, one fitness enthusiast learned this lesson the hard way.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” they shared during a recent workout session. “That did not help me at all. Not exercising did not help me, but made my body to be stiff.”
The lack of physical activity had serious consequences: stiffness in the legs, pain in the neck, headaches, and overall discomfort. This experience reinforces what health experts have long maintained – consistent exercise is crucial for maintaining physical wellbeing.
The Challenge of Consistency
One of the most profound observations shared during the session addressed the fundamental challenge many face with fitness: “It is very hard to exercise but very easy to gain weight. Very hard to lose weight. Very easy to get weight.”
The solution? Self-discipline. “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Don’t let your body control you – you control your body. Control your mouth. Control your belly. Control everything. And then force your body to move.”
Gradual Progress
An important message for beginners emerged during the session: start where you are. “We must not be professional. You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Just little by little, we are going to be fine.”
This approach aligns with expert recommendations that sustainable fitness journeys begin with manageable goals rather than unrealistic expectations.
Adapting to Your Fitness Level
The workout demonstrated how to adjust exercise intensity based on personal fitness levels. For instance, when using a treadmill, different settings serve different purposes. A setting of 5 might be appropriate for running, while higher settings like 10 or 12 require more fitness and stability.
“When I lose weight, I’ll start running at 10… If I put it now, I will fall,” the fitness enthusiast explained, acknowledging current limitations while setting future goals.
The Recovery Journey
Perhaps most inspiring was witnessing the return of energy and stamina after illness. “No more lying down, no more sickness, no more headache! I’m back!” The session showed clear progress from the previous day, with increased endurance and improved mood.
The experience serves as a reminder that health is foundational to achieving all other goals. As was noted during the workout, “Your health is wealth. When you are in good health, you can achieve all! It’s only when you are unwell that you cannot achieve your goals.”
For those struggling with motivation or recovering from illness, this journey offers encouragement to start small, persist through discomfort, and celebrate each step forward on the path to better health.