The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Illness Through Exercise
Getting back into an exercise routine after illness can be challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the initial discomfort. One fitness enthusiast recently shared their journey of returning to exercise after feeling sick for several days, highlighting the importance of pushing through initial resistance.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for myself. That did not help me at all,” they explained. The lack of physical activity had actually made things worse: “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.”
Despite still experiencing symptoms like headache and nasal congestion, they committed to a short 20-minute workout to gradually rebuild their stamina. This approach of starting small is exactly what fitness experts recommend when returning to exercise after illness.
Weight Management Requires Mental Discipline
The fitness enthusiast shared some candid thoughts about weight management: “It is very hard to lose weight. Very easy to gain weight.” Their advice focuses on mental discipline and taking control: “All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not letting your body control you. You control your body. Control your mouth.”
This perspective aligns with research showing that successful weight management often comes down to psychological factors like self-control and developing sustainable habits.
The Importance of Gradual Progression
An important takeaway from this fitness journey is the value of 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,” they advised.
This approach of starting with manageable intensity and gradually building up is supported by exercise physiologists. The individual demonstrated this by monitoring their jogging intensity, noting they previously could sustain higher speeds but were currently working at a more moderate pace as they regained their fitness.
Health as a Foundation for Achievement
Perhaps the most powerful insight shared was about the fundamental role of health in achieving life goals: “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 holistic view of fitness—seeing it not just as physical exercise but as a foundation for overall life success—represents a mature understanding of wellness that goes beyond aesthetic goals.
As the workout progressed, visible improvements in energy and mood were evident. From feeling cold at the beginning to sweating and celebrating burning nearly 200 calories, this fitness journey serves as an inspiring reminder that consistency and persistence are key to overcoming physical setbacks.