We all have lazy days, but working out under certain conditions can actually hinder your health goals. Sometimes it's best to avoid the gym if...
1. You feel under the weather
Listen to your body. If you think you can handle a little activity, go for it. A light sweat session might even energize you. But if you’re running a fever or generally feel like crap, there’s no sense in putting more stress on your body. You’re better off resting and recuperating. (And if you think you might be contagious, you should definitely stay home to spare your fellow gym members.)
2. You’re injured
No matter how carefully you try avoid it, if you’re working out regularly, you’re bound to get hurt eventually. Regardless of the injury’s severity, you should always prioritize healing over more exercise. But that doesn’t mean you need to avoid working out altogether. Just make sure you don’t aggravate your ailment. For example, if your shoulder is giving you trouble, focus on your legs or abs until you’ve healed.
3. You’re exhausted
Sleep should be your top priority. Choosing a groggy workout over getting enough shut-eye could do your body more harm than good. Not only does your snooze time affect the quality of your exercise, but it also impacts your brain function, appetite, mood, and overall physical health. Try to get to bed as early as possible the night before an A.M. workout.
4. You’re super sore
f your body is aching from head to toe, you’re probably in need of a recovery day. When you work out (and especially when you strength train) your muscles literally break down--which means you need to allow your body time to repair and replace the damaged muscle fibers. If you don’t, you could actually suffer muscle loss.
Listen to your body. If you think you can handle a little activity, go for it. A light sweat session might even energize you. But if you’re running a fever or generally feel like crap, there’s no sense in putting more stress on your body. You’re better off resting and recuperating. (And if you think you might be contagious, you should definitely stay home to spare your fellow gym members.)
2. You’re injured
No matter how carefully you try avoid it, if you’re working out regularly, you’re bound to get hurt eventually. Regardless of the injury’s severity, you should always prioritize healing over more exercise. But that doesn’t mean you need to avoid working out altogether. Just make sure you don’t aggravate your ailment. For example, if your shoulder is giving you trouble, focus on your legs or abs until you’ve healed.
3. You’re exhausted
Sleep should be your top priority. Choosing a groggy workout over getting enough shut-eye could do your body more harm than good. Not only does your snooze time affect the quality of your exercise, but it also impacts your brain function, appetite, mood, and overall physical health. Try to get to bed as early as possible the night before an A.M. workout.
4. You’re super sore
f your body is aching from head to toe, you’re probably in need of a recovery day. When you work out (and especially when you strength train) your muscles literally break down--which means you need to allow your body time to repair and replace the damaged muscle fibers. If you don’t, you could actually suffer muscle loss.