3 Legitimate Reasons to Skip Your Exercise Routine

By Genevieve Cunningham

Exercise is definitely an important part of life. Every healthy lifestyle plan includes some form of movement, whether it’s walking, weightlifting, or something else entirely. Exercise helps us build strength and stability, makes us feel good, and keeps us continually moving toward better health. But might there be times when exercise is not the right answer? Is there ever a legitimate reason to skip the gym? Actually … yes! If you love your exercise routine, but you think you may need an off day, take a look at these good reasons to give your body a rest.

You’re Sick

If you’re feeling sick, don’t overdo it. Though exercising through a stress headache or similar ailment may actually help, a legitimate illness just needs rest. Don’t go to the gym and overtax your body. Don’t go to the gym and spread sick germs to everyone else. Go home! Get in the bed, hydrate, and get some rest. If you think you’re coming down with an illness, skipping your exercise routine until you’re feeling better is a smart idea.

You’re in Pain

This can be a complicated issue. Some pain can actually benefit from exercise. Soreness from a workout or ongoing backaches may be improved by sticking with your regular routine. But if you’re injured, it might be smart to take a day or two off. Twist an ankle? Rest. Pull a muscle? Rest. Pushing through the pain of an injury won’t improve your overall fitness. It will cause more pain, heighten the risk of further injury, and potentially keep you out of the gym even longer.

You’re Calorie Restricting

Some calorie restriction is a good idea. In order to lose weight, you have to consume fewer calories than you burn. But if you’ve recently cut back in a really big way, it might be a good idea to allow your body to rest. Restrictions that are too tight, followed by strenuous exercise can make you feel lightheaded, nauseous, and ill. Wait until your severe restriction is over before getting back to your normal routine. This allows your body to adjust without giving it more than it can handle too quickly.

While exercise is obviously a good idea, it’s not always the right choice in every situation. It’s important to listen to your body. If these situations are happening in your life, it’s OK to give it a rest. It’s OK to take a day off. It’s OK to allow for recovery. Once you’re feeling like yourself again, you can get back to the gym. But a little time off may help you heal, improve your health, and keep you moving toward better health for a lifetime.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Ventura, Calif.

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