You have committed to your new chapter, on a mission to hit your goals and something pops up outside of being sick or injured that presents the question… “Is it OK to skip my workout?”. Here are some reasons to give you a breather and not feel guilty if you really should miss training.
You Had an Awful Sleep
Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your input during sessions and not having a great night’s sleep can mean your focus is foggy and you’re not as sharp for a productive workout. To prevent an accident while exercising, perhaps get some rest and come back fresh tomorrow.
Also read: Can’t Be Bothered Working Out? Read This First
You’re Very Sore
Having a little soreness is fine and quite normal with some types of activity, but if you feel as if you have been hit by a truck, it’s fine to give yourself permission to take a little leave pass.
You Might Be Overtraining
Constant lethargy, low mood and disturbances to the menstrual cycle can often point to symptoms of ‘overtraining’. If any of these are present, take a look at your approach to your exercise schedule and ensure that adequate rest is allocated. If not, it is totally necessary to skip a workout and recharge.
You Had an Active Day
There may be days when an expected duration of activity pops up, meaning you’re moving without really noticing. To skip your scheduled workout as you feel wiped out already is OK. Just be honest with yourself about the event that took place and if it does warrant the decision to not train.
Also read: Successful Weight Loss Depends On Your Mindset
You’re Crazy Busy
Sometimes being busy really IS ok! It’s important to have this balance in life, of being firm with your commitment to exercise, but remaining level headed and having a sensible approach to prioritising your diary. Missing a workout as you have a super essential family appointment to attend, or something that needs your attention to keep your life in the ‘normal’ basket is alright. Just be honest about your priorities!
You’re Obsessed With Training
Are you giving yourself a hard time about HAVING to exercise despite all of the other things that are going on, then feel extremely guilty for even thinking about not training for just one day? This is an obsessive approach to exercise, and not always a healthy one. Take the day off and feel OK about it. If you train hard then it’s NOT the end of the world to do this every now and again, when you feel you really need to.
It’s That Time of the Month
The time of the month can be a breeze for some, but a nightmare for others. Be real about your thought processes here and if you’re crippled with cramps and feel cloudy with emotion, sometimes a rest day with a hot water bottle and TLC is needed.
Also read: Our Experts Share Their Tips for a Healthy Summer
You Just Had a Baby
You’re feeling WOWEE after such an incredible time and keen to get your pre-baby body back! Motivation may be on a high, but please take very good care and listen to your body when returning to exercise. Our bodies can be very unpredictable during the first phase of post-baby training and it’s important to adhere to the need to take sufficient rest days.
