When It’s Completely Okay to Skip a Workout

We all have those lazy days when we crave for a couch and can’t bring ourselves to go to the gym. Maybe we had a hard day at work and all we want to do is zone out in front of the TV. Almost anyone polled in gyms San Diego would tell you that there are days when they would rather stay in bed than work out. Many times they would just break out of their temporary rut and feel great afterward for bringing themselves to hit the gym.

That, however, doesn’t mean that there is never a legitimate reason to forgo the gym without the extra guilt for doing so. Sometimes it is completely okay to pass on a workout, as long as you don’t make a habit of it and listen to your gut feeling telling you if it’s just your own inertia or a valid excuse.

If you are injured

Regardless of whether your injury is gym-related or not, if you are injured, you should give yourself a break. You need to let your body recuperate so that you can get back on track.

Everything in our body is connected, so too much strain and movement could exacerbate the problem. As your body tries to compensate, you could risk further injury or even injure other parts of the body.

Ask your physical therapist or doctor which activities you are allowed to do with your injury. They will tell you if it is possible to modify exercises so that you can still work out and which exercises you should avoid. Once your injury heals, you will get the green light to ease back into the gym.

If you are sick

If you feel sick, don’t ignore the signals your body is sending. Having a cold can decrease your energy levels so even your everyday activities will make you feel wiped out with fatigue. Also, you are contagious the first 5 to 7 days.

Any personal trainer at gyms San Diego will tell you that it is totally fine to hit the couch, take plenty of rest and get enough sleep to get better. Your body needs time and energy to fight off illness. When you fully recover, you can resume your workout. Just be sure to listen to your body and ease back into your training routine until you regain your strength.

If you are sleep deprived

If you feel a little off and low on energy, exercise can actually help. It will probably give you a nice boost, increase your energy levels and reduce feelings of tiredness. However, if you are super tired, you didn’t sleep well (or at all) or you chronically get too little sleep, it’s best to skip the gym and get a good night’s sleep instead.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to recognize the difference between the exhaustion and a little fatigue. Generally, if you feel like falling asleep at 6 or 7 p.m. or have had a few nights of minimal sleep in a row, it is okay to give the gym a swerve.

If you had surgery

Feel free to skip your workout without an ounce of guilt if you are recovering from a surgery. Even a minor medical event requires some time off. Your body is working hard to recover from a traumatic experience so you should avoid putting extra strain on it.

You’d want to know what to expect after surgery and when you can get back to exercising so don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor. Follow their advice and you will prevent any problems that may arise on the road to recovery.

If you just had a baby

If you have just brought your baby home, you are probably wondering if it is safe to return to your regular fitness routine. If you’ve had a C-section or a complicated birth, you should talk to your doctor about when you can re-start exercise. Typically, it is recommended that you wait at least six weeks for your body to heal. After the six-week postnatal check, most women are given the green light to begin exercising again.

Looking for the best gyms San Diego has to offer?

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for all your fitness and wellness needs, Fit Athletic is your go-to place! As one of the most versatile gyms San Diego can offer, we provide a vast range of group classes, individual workout programs. At our premier facility, you can also get an unmatched spa experience and shop for healthy meals at our Natural Foods café. Together, we can work toward your desired goals!

 

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