Fitness: 6 good reasons to skip your workout

Sometimes we just don't feel like exercising. We're comfortably lounging on the couch or have had a long day at work, and the mere thought of getting up is torture. Of course, we know we'll feel better after a workout. We just have to somehow overcome our inner demons. You know yourself best and know whether you're simply not in the mood right now, but exercise would benefit you – or whether you have a good reason why a workout today wouldn't be a good idea. For example, one of these.

6 good reasons not to exercise today 1. You are sick or injured

We all know how healthy exercise is for body and mind. But of course, that only applies if your body is fit enough for it. Because if we have a bad cold or gastrointestinal problems, a workout is just unnecessary stress for the organism. Our body is then busy fighting the illness. If we put additional strain on it with exercise, it has less energy for healing, and the recovery process slows down. This also applies to injuries, whether in your feet, legs, or back. Give your body time to recover before exercising again.

2. You have sore muscles

A workout can actually help with mild muscle soreness. But if you've overstressed one or more body parts during a previous workout to the point where you can barely move, you should probably skip your workout today (and maybe tomorrow, too). Otherwise, you risk muscle injuries that will not only be painful but will also keep you out of action for a longer period of time.

3. You are tired

If you're just feeling a bit sluggish, a challenging workout can be just the thing to recharge your batteries. But if you feel deeply tired and barely have the energy to get up, exercise can just be another energy drain for your body. Perhaps you haven't slept much for a few days or are currently in the middle of a very stressful period. Only you can tell the difference between mild lethargy, which exercise could help, and true fatigue, which exercise would only make worse. You know your body best.

4. You are stressed

Generally speaking, exercise reduces stress and can help you unwind and calm your mind. But that doesn't change the fact that a workout takes time and energy, and you have to have that energy. If you work too much or are so busy with family or other responsibilities that you barely have enough time to sleep, exercise would probably just be another stressful item on your never-ending to-do list. In that case, skip the workout and use the extra hour to do nothing.

Get fit today so you can enjoy tomorrow! BRIGITTE Forever Fit is the fitness class for women over 50. Start now and lay the foundation for a healthy, active life full of energy and vitality!

Discover now

5. You drank alcohol

After one or two drinks, you might feel the need to sweat it out with a strenuous workout. However, this isn't a good idea, as alcohol further dehydrates you and can also make you more prone to injury. Instead, wait until your body has completely cleared the alcohol—preferably until tomorrow.

6. You have your period

Of course, you can exercise during your period. If you feel fit enough and a workout helps you feel better, go for it! But if you have intense cramps, aren't sleeping well, and/or are bleeding heavily, a workout can be unnecessary stress for your body. You're not doing yourself any favors by forcing yourself through a workout when your body needs its energy for other things.

Perhaps you would prefer a gentle yoga session or a walk?

If one or more of these points apply to you and you've decided that your power workout today would be counterproductive for your well-being and health, then you might want to consider a gentler alternative. Perhaps you still feel the need to get some exercise? In that case, a quiet yoga class might do you good. Or you could go for a walk—you'll get even more out of the activity in the fresh air! Or maybe you just want to lie on the couch and watch trashy TV—that's perfectly fine, too. Tomorrow is another day!

mbl Brigitte

#Topics