The Power of Persistence: Returning to Exercise After Illness
Getting back into an exercise routine after being sick can be challenging. It’s a struggle many face, as one fitness enthusiast recently shared during a live workout session.
“I have been feeling sick for some days, I have not really exercised and I did not do any good for my system,” they explained. “Not exercising did not help me at all, but made my body to be stiff.”
This is a common experience – when we’re ill, we naturally rest, but extended periods without movement can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and a general feeling of malaise that compounds the original illness.
The Physical Effects of Inactivity
The workout demonstrator noted significant discomfort from their period of inactivity: “I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me. Because of lack of exercise.”
Experts confirm that even short periods of inactivity can lead to muscle tightness, reduced flexibility, and increased pain when returning to physical activity.
The Mental Challenge of Restarting
Perhaps the most valuable insight shared during the session was about the mental aspect of exercise: “It is very hard to lose weight, but very easy to gain weight. All you need to do is to push your body. You force it. Not let your body control you, but control your body.”
This perspective highlights an important truth about fitness – it often requires pushing through mental barriers rather than physical ones.
Practical Advice for Getting Back on Track
The session demonstrated several practical approaches to returning to exercise after illness:
- Start with light cardio, like jogging at a comfortable pace
- Listen to your body and acknowledge limitations
- Set realistic expectations – “Just little by little, we are going to be fine”
- Begin with shorter workout sessions (20 minutes in this case)
- Gradually increase intensity as strength returns
Progress Is Personal
Everyone’s fitness journey is unique, especially when recovering from illness. “We must not be professional as well. You must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds, 5 pounds. Some people cannot lift 10 pounds.”
This realistic approach acknowledges that fitness isn’t about competing with others but improving from your current state, whatever that may be.
The Reward of Persistence
The satisfaction of returning to exercise was evident: “If it was yesterday, I could not sustain this jogging for five minutes! No stop five minutes jogging! If it was two days ago, that was the worst of them!”
Within just a few days of resuming activity, noticeable improvements in endurance and energy levels were apparent.
The message is clear: our health is fundamental to achieving our goals. As the workout session concluded, the presenter reminded viewers, “Your health is what! When you are in good health, you can achieve all! It’s only when you cannot do certain things that you cannot achieve your goals.”
Whether returning from illness or simply struggling with consistency, this perspective serves as a powerful reminder of why prioritizing physical activity matters – not just for our bodies, but for everything we hope to accomplish.