The Power of Persistence: Returning to Exercise After Illness

Getting back to exercise after being sick can be challenging, but it’s often the best way to regain energy and improve overall wellbeing. One fitness enthusiast recently shared their journey of returning to their workout routine after several days of illness.

“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. I tried to stretch, even the back of my legs, my nails, my toes, everything pained me because of lack of exercise.”

This experience highlights an important health principle: while rest is crucial when sick, extended inactivity can lead to stiffness, joint pain, and even prolonged recovery in some cases.

The Mental Challenge of Restarting

Starting again after a break is often more psychological than physical. “No more laying down. No more sickness. No more headache,” was the mindset adopted to push through the initial discomfort of getting moving again.

The determination to complete a 20-minute workout despite still experiencing some symptoms demonstrates the power of mental fortitude. “I still feel my neck, my head is aching, my nose is growing, but I will be fine,” they shared.

Progress Not Perfection

An important takeaway from this fitness journey is the emphasis on progress rather than perfection. The workout included jogging at a manageable pace, with careful attention to personal limits.

“We need to exercise anyhow we can. We must not be professional. We must not lift 100 pounds. Just start by lifting 10 pounds. 5 pounds. If we cannot lift 10 pounds, just little by little. We are going to be fine.”

Adapting Exercise to Your Current State

The fitness enthusiast shared insights about adapting exercise intensity based on current physical condition. They discussed using different speed settings on their treadmill based on their energy level and weight – demonstrating how exercise can be modified for any fitness level.

“When I lose weight, I’ll start running at 10. Because that way you have to pop up. If I put it now, I will fall… I used to put up to seven before, I used to put up to nine. But now, I can do up to seven, but not 10, not 11, not 12.”

The Health-Goal Connection

Perhaps the most powerful insight shared was the connection between health and goal 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 frames exercise not as a vanity pursuit but as a foundational element for pursuing dreams and ambitions in all areas of life.

As we witness this journey of returning to fitness after illness, we’re reminded that health is truly wealth – and that consistent, sustainable exercise is one of the most valuable investments we can make in ourselves.