3 Signs You Need a Break From Exercise
By Genevieve Cunningham
Exercise is one of those things that we all need in life. It’s a solid piece of healthy living advice that we’re all sure to hear over and over again throughout the years. But as good as exercise is for our bodies and minds, there is such a thing as too much. Sometimes, in order to keep our sanity as well as our fitness gains, it’s important to take a break! But how do we know when it’s the right time to give it a rest? If you want to keep your health moving in the right direction, take a look at these three signs that a break from exercise might be in order.
You’re Unmotivated
Let’s face it. Sometimes we get a little unmotivated. Sometimes getting up and going to the gym is just … hard. Sometimes when this happens, the best thing to do is to push through. But other times, it might be better to listen to your body. Maybe your lack of motivation is there for a reason. Maybe it’s because your body is tired, your energy reserves are all used up, and you just need a little break. If you’ve lost motivation, and you’ve already tried pushing through, consider giving yourself a small break from hitting the gym. Even a few days might be enough to refocus the mind, rest the body, and get you moving in the right direction all over again.
You’re Stuck on a Plateau
Fitness plateaus are so, so hard. It’s frustrating to see all of your hard work amount to nothing. But it’s important to remember two things. For starters, your body is still doing massive amounts of work during a plateau, so don’t give up for good! Second, it’s actually OK if you’d like to take a break during your plateau. If you normally run, scale it back to a walk, or maybe even take off a couple of days. Sometimes, your body needs this change of routine to push through the plateau and begin making progress again.
You’re Frustrated
Frustration is normal in life. We’re all going to experience frustration over and over again. But when the frustration gets overwhelming, it might be time to take a step back. Too much frustration can really get to you and hinder your ability to make gains. If this is you, cut yourself a little slack. Don’t go to the gym today … and maybe not even tomorrow. Do something else you’ve been looking forward to instead, and it may be all the rest you need to get your body and mind back on track.
Exercise is definitely important. We really can’t be in the best health possible without it. But allowing yourself some rest, relaxation, and days off is important as well. If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your life, it might be time to relax a bit. With a quick break from the normal routine, you may notice yourself coming back stronger and more capable than ever before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.
