Rediscovering Strength: How 6 Months of Inactivity Affected My Health as a Personal Trainer

As a personal trainer and sports nutritionist, my life revolves around movement. My body is used to being active almost every single day, all day long. But last year, I faced one of the most challenging experiences of my life: six months of almost complete inactivity.

Three months before my surgery, I struggled with severe health issues: swelling of my brain, a build-up of synovial fluids in my skull, and intense pressure that affected my day-to-day life. My vision suffered because my brain wasn’t receiving enough oxygen to function optimally. Despite this, I pushed through work with my clients, but physically and mentally, I was drained. My body simply couldn't handle training anymore, and I had to make a difficult but necessary decision: to stop working out entirely and prioritize my health.

The Impact of Inactivity on My Body and Mind

The six months without proper training took their toll. I experienced:

• Sluggishness – My energy levels were at an all-time low.

• Moodiness – I felt irritable and unmotivated.

• Bloating and fluid retention – My body felt inflamed and uncomfortable.

• Fatigue – Despite not training, I felt exhausted all the time.

• Insomnia – My sleep suffered drastically.

• Body aches – The lack of movement made my body stiff and sore.

• Increased stress – I no longer had an outlet to manage stress effectively.

It was incredibly frustrating because I knew how my body should feel - I had spent years maintaining a strong, fit, and active lifestyle. But without my usual routine, my health felt stagnant and, in many ways, declined. It reinforced a hard truth: our bodies thrive on movement.

The Journey Back to Training

After undergoing a successful surgery, I had 3 months of mandatory recovery, so no physical training. Almost exactly three months post-surgery (because I couldn't wait any longer!), I felt ready to train again. My first run was just 400 meters long, but I ran with a massive smile on my face! The feeling of movement, of pushing my body again, was liberating. Almost immediately, I felt a difference:

• My mood lifted instantly.

• My bloating and fluid retention went down.

• My sleep improved - I was finally falling asleep and staying asleep.

• My body aches disappeared.

• My stress levels dropped significantly.

Of course, I experienced extreme fatigue at first. My body had to readjust to being constantly active again, but I welcomed the challenge. It reminded me of the power of consistency. Training isn’t just about physical fitness - it’s about mental resilience, emotional well-being, and overall health.

Health is Wealth

This experience gave me a newfound gratitude for my health and body. It also reinforced my belief that if you are able to move your body, you should. Regular physical activity is not just about looking fit—it’s about keeping your body functioning at its best.

Some long-term benefits of staying active include:

• Stronger cardiovascular health

• Improved mental clarity and cognitive function

• Better sleep quality

• Stronger bones and muscles

• Lower risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease

The key is to build a routine and stick to it. It takes mental and physical strength to be consistent, but once you establish the habit, the benefits are endless. My journey back to fitness reminded me that our health is truly our most valuable asset. We only get one body - let’s take care of it.

If you’re reading this and struggling with motivation, remember: movement is medicine. Start small, stay consistent, and your body will thank you.

My Priorities for My Upcoming Training

Moving forward, my main focus is on sustainability. I want to build a routine that keeps me active without pushing my body beyond its limits. Consistency is key, and staying active will remain a priority in my daily life. Alongside exercise, I am placing a strong emphasis on a nutritious diet to fuel my body properly. Most importantly, my ultimate goal is health—not just physical fitness, but overall well-being, ensuring that I am taking care of my body in a way that is sustainable for the long term.

Mieke Nel

Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist