3 Good Reasons to Skip Exercise
By Genevieve Cunningham
Exercise is important. We’ve all been told that a good exercise routine is a key aspect of any healthy lifestyle. But as important as exercise is (and it really is so important!), there are also times when skipping your routine is OK. The key is to understand the difference between common excuses and legitimate reasons to skip. So how do you know? While listening to your own intuition is one of the first steps, it can also be helpful to have a guide. If you’re wondering whether it’s OK to skip the gym today, take a look at these three good reasons to lay low.
To Catch Up on Rest
Exercise is important, but rest may be equally important to our overall health. If you didn’t sleep last night, or you’re feeling exceptionally drained, it may be more beneficial to get some sleep. It doesn’t mean that you’re giving up your exercise routine for good. It just means that sometimes sleep is the top priority. While rest certainly can’t be your excuse every day, catching up on much needed sleep is a smart idea for keeping the body healthy.
To Nurture an Injury
Minor injuries may be well enough to keep your workout going. But if you have an extensive injury or major pain, it’s absolutely OK to give it time to heal. If you don’t allow for healing, you may find that the injury gets worse. And this can keep you out of the gym for an even longer time period. Don’t feel guilty if you’re skipping your workout to heal. Give your body time, and then get back in there when you’re ready.
To Avoid Burnout
Burnout is a real thing. Sometimes we just need a break. If you can feel the burnout coming, don’t worry about missing a day. Skipping a routine to avoid burnout may actually pay off big in the long run. Exercise is too important to allow yourself to burn out. Take a break, clear your mind, and come back stronger than ever.
It’s definitely important to stick to a regular exercise program. That’s how our bodies change. That’s how we improve our health. But it’s also important to listen to your body and mind. If you need to skip, do it. Just get back to the gym as soon as you can. Work out regularly, rest when necessary, and get your life and body moving toward the best health yet.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.