I had COVID at the beginning of 2024, I have never shared much about that experience here or anywhere else online but it had a significant impact on both my physical and mental health.
I started my fitness journey around 2019 and quickly became passionate about it. But, I would be lying if I said that the past two years have been the most successful chapter of that journey.
In addition to COVID, I experienced few difficult life events that affected my health, energy levels, and overall well-being. That is why, I am learning to be kinder and gentler with myself.
Recovery after Covid
The most difficult lessons I had to learn after COVID was patience. Before getting sick, I was used to being very active. Suddenly, activities that once felt easy became exhausting. My recovery took longer, and I often felt frustrated by the gap between what I wanted my body to do and what it was actually capable of doing.
Discovering different forms of exercise
For months, I viewed slowing down as a setback but it gave me the opportunity to discover forms of movement that are gentler, more sustainable, and surprisingly effective. Instead of fighting my body, I worked with it.
What are Tai Chi and Qigong?
Tai Chi and Qigong are ancient Chinese mind-body practices that combine gentle movement, controlled breathing, and focused attention.
While Tai Chi is often described as a form of moving meditation and martial art, Qigong focuses more directly on cultivating and balancing the body's energy through simple movements and breathwork.
Both practices emphasize slow, intentional movement rather than intensity or speed. Unlike many modern fitness trends, they encourage participants to listen to their bodies rather than push through discomfort.
Why I fell in love with Tai Chi and Qigong?
On days when my energy was low, I could still participate without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, I noticed that these practices helped me feel stronger, calmer, and more connected to my body. They allowed me to move without constantly worrying about performance, calories burned, or achieving specific fitness milestones.
For someone recovering from illness and navigating periods of fatigue, that shift in mindset was incredibly valuable.
Benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong
* Better balance and coordination
* Supporting cardiovascular health
* Enhancing flexibility and mobility
* Reducing stress and anxiety
* Promoting relaxation and mental clarity
* Improving body awareness and posture
* Supporting healthy breathing patterns
* Encouraging gentle physical activity without excessive strain
One of the reasons these practices are so appealing is that they can often be adapted to different fitness levels and physical abilities.
My current fitness routine
Today, my routine includes Tai Chi, Qigong, seated Yoga, low-impact cardio workouts, and outdoor walks. Occasionally, I also enjoy standing Pilates when I'm in the mood for something a little different.
I have experimented with running and traditional weight lifting, but they simply are not the right fit for me. One thing I know for sure is that the majority of my workouts happen at home I have never been a fan of the gym.
Another important part of my wellness routine is lymphatic drainage and fascia release. They help me feel more comfortable and connected to my body.
My favorite workouts
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| Photo by Vanessa Garcia from Pexels |
Below are some of the workouts that I have been enjoying recently. If you are looking for gentle movement, stress relief, or a way to ease back into exercise, you might find something here that resonates with you.
There was a time when I believed progress only counted if I was pushing harder, moving faster, or doing more. Today, I understand that honoring my body's needs is also a form of progress. For me, healing does not look like returning to who I was before COVID. It looked like discovering new ways to care for myself and finding joy in movement again.
Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, walking, and other gentle practices reminded me that fitness is not a competition, it is a lifelong relationship with ourselves.
Have you tried any of these workouts before? If you decide to give them a try, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments.
As always, please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you are recovering from illness or managing a medical condition.
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