Getting Back Into Exercise After An Illness
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Returning to exercise after an illness can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. Your body may be feeling weaker, your energy levels are down, and your motivation has gone out the window. It’s normal to struggle getting back into it, but just like with weight loss, slow and steady wins the race!
Listen To Your Body
Say you’ve gotten the flu, it’s been a couple of days and you feel like you’re on the mend, but are you well enough to start exercising again? If you’ve still got some aches and pains or lingering fatigue there is no point in throwing yourself back into physical activity, you’ll only be doing your body a disservice!
Although exercise can be regenerating, pay attention to how your body feels when you start to do even the gentlest of movements like walking around the house. If this light activity is causing pain or increasing fatigue, rest up a little longer! Quality sleep is crucial for weight loss anyway.
Start Light
Once you’re recovered, ease back in with low-impact exercises. Walking and stretching are a good starting point because they’re gentle on the body while improving circulation which can also boost mood! They promote overall wellbeing without putting too much strain on the body.
Prioritise Nutrition
Proper nutrition and hydration are going to support your body’s recovery and fuel your workouts. Your immune system has been shot down by being sick, so build it back up with nutrient-rich foods that’ll provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These foods will help with mood and replenishing energy levels too!
Falling ill can be taxing on the body, and if you’re on a weight loss journey it can throw a spanner into the works, but it doesn’t have to ruin your progress completely.
