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Excuses to skip your workout are so easy to come by! But the the next time you find yourself debating on whether to show up for your workout, I want you to ask yourself these four questions to help you determine the best choice for you and your body at the moment.
It’s easy to feel exhausted after a long day of work or after a night of broken sleep due to toddler teething; you’re not alone here! The key is to know the difference between mental exhaustion and physical exhaustion. Mental exhaustion, like a long day at work, can often be alleviated through exercise. Working out releases endorphins and provides mental clarity, making it an excellent choice when you’re mentally tired. However, if your body is physically fatigued from consecutive workouts or strenuous physical labor, it’s essential to listen to your body and consider a rest day.
Sometimes, skipping a workout can align with other important life goals, such as getting more sleep. It’s important to prioritize overall health and well-being, even if it means sacrificing a workout occasionally. If you’ve been consistently waking up early for workouts but need more sleep, it’s okay to adjust your schedule to meet this vital goal. While many components of a healthy lifestyle go hand in hand, sometimes you’ll find yourself needing to prioritize one over the other.
3. How Consistent Have I Been?
Consistency is key to achieving your fitness goals. You’ll need to evaluate your workout history. If you’ve been consistent for months, occasionally skipping a workout won’t derail your progress. However, if you’ve been skipping frequently, it’s a sign you need to get back on track and stay committed to your program.
4. If I Don’t Work Out Today, When Will I?
It’s important to create a workout routine and put it on your calendar, just like any other meeting. When you cancel your doctor’s appointment, your next order of business is to reschedule, and your workout should be no different. The goal is to avoid accumulating missed workouts, which can be demotivating and hinder progress. It’s easier to reschedule a workout at the beginning of the week, but once we hit the weekend, it becomes much harder. Remember that when contemplating canceling on yourself.
Asking yourself those four questions provide a valuable framework for deciding whether to skip a workout. Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term goals and overall well-being. Remember that consistency is key, and while motivation may come and go, discipline is your most reliable ally on your fitness journey.
Incorporating these questions into your decision-making process can help you make more informed choices and maintain a healthier, more consistent workout routine.
Be sure to head over to The Redefine Beautiful Podcast to listen to the full episode (episode 30) discussing this topic in further detail.