The Power of Persistence: How to Force Your Body to Move When You Don’t Feel Like It

Getting back to exercise after illness is never easy. The body feels stiff, energy levels are low, and motivation can be at an all-time minimum. Yet, as many fitness enthusiasts know, these are precisely the moments when movement matters most.

“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and that did not help me at all,” shares a dedicated fitness enthusiast who recently returned to their workout routine. “Not exercising did not help me, but made my body stiff. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”

Mind Over Matter

The fundamental principle that emerges from this experience is the importance of mental discipline. When it comes to fitness, allowing your body to dictate your actions often leads to inactivity. Instead, the key is to establish control.

“It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is to push your body. Force it. Don’t let your body control you – control your body. Control your mouth. When you feel like eating a snack, you say no. Control your belly. Control everything. And then force your body to move.”

Starting Small and Building Consistency

Professional-level fitness isn’t necessary to reap health benefits. What matters is consistency and gradual progression.

“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.”

This gradual approach applies to cardio exercise as well. The fitness enthusiast uses a treadmill with varying speeds, noting that the highest setting (12) isn’t currently attainable due to weight considerations.

“When I lose weight, I’ll start running at 10. Because that way you have to push harder. If I put it at 10 now, I will fall because of my weight. But I used to put it at seven. Before, I used to put up to nine.”

Health as the Foundation for Achievement

Perhaps the most compelling reason to maintain fitness is its relationship to overall life success. Without health, other goals become significantly more difficult to achieve.

“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. That is why we need to run. You need to exercise anyhow.”

Signs of Progress

Even small improvements can indicate meaningful progress. After being sick, the fitness enthusiast noticed positive changes just one day into resuming activity.

“Yesterday I couldn’t sustain jogging for five minutes without stopping. I feel better today.”

By the end of the workout, the individual was approaching 200 calories burned and noticed: “My energy level is coming back.”

While getting back into exercise can be challenging, especially after illness, the rewards of persistence are well worth the initial discomfort. By taking control of your body rather than letting it control you, starting small, and focusing on consistency, you can rebuild your fitness routine and improve your overall health.