Last Updated on July 28, 2019
Exercise is so important for weight loss, health and happiness. It’s hard to deny that exercise and weight loss are a package deal. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken with anyone who didn’t use exercise in an attempt to lose lbs.
Some people struggle to get motivated to consistently make time for the gym. Then there are some people love exercise and always seem to make time to squeeze in a workout, No. Matter. What. That’s why I was intrigued when a few of my subscribers asked…
“Can I Skip the Gym?“
I had to take a second to think about how I should answer the question. I’m a former fat girl turned nutritionist and trainer. When I was overweight and struggling I remember wanting to skip the gym… a lot. When I became a trainer I knew I had to… even though I still had days when I wanted to take the day off. Honestly, if I only went to the gym when I want to, I’d probably never go! As your coach and biggest cheerleader, I feel the responsibility to shoot you straight and tackle this tricky question dead on. You do have to go to the gym if you want to maintain you health and lose/maintain your weight.
But there are times when you can skim the gym… actually I encourage you to skip your workout! See me explain in today’s episode of CCtv. Ultimately, you’ll learn that it’s only ok to skip the gym as a way of practicing self-care and not making an excuse to. See me share the 5 times you can skip the gym and actually help yourself lose weight below.
1) It’s Close to Your Bed Time
It’s okay to skip a night time session, if your day had you grinding late – but you still want to get you’re sweat on. High intensity exercise within 3 hours of your bedtime can (and often times does) affect your ability to get a good nights sleep. A bad night of sleep has the ability disrupt the normal production of 7 different hormones that can inhibit your ability to lose fat, insulin production and regulate mood and food cravings. That means your late night sesh can actually set you up to be a cranky, carb craving, fat storing machine into the next day.
A Better Idea: Do some low intensity body workouts instead at home instead. Like crunches to complete your ab challenge or take a walk around your neighborhood instead.
2) You Feel Like a Volcano that’s about to Explode
Most trainers would tell you to hit the gym to blow off some steam. Normally I would, too. But if you’re having one of those days where you Can’t. Do. Anything. Right. and everything goes wrong… A day where you’re trying to be everything to everyone or simply having a no-good-very-bad-day… A day that leaves you feeling like you’d burst into tears on your elliptical or scream if someone snagged the machine *you wanted.*
A Better Idea: When you’re feeling *that* funky, it’s absolutely ok to skip the gym, go home and show yourself some loving. Put on your favorite PJs, take a bubble bath, or take a walk while blasting your favorite music until you’re feeling less stressed.
3) You’re (Legit) Sick
There’s a difference between ‘not feeling like working out and feeling ‘funky’. If you’re experiencing symptoms or feeling feverish, achey, sniffly… If you’re sneezing, coughing and congested do NOT go to the gym. You’re immunity is down and going to the gym would expose you – and others – to more germs.
A Better Idea. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Go home and get better. Exercise will drain your precious energy reserves further impairing your immunity. Exercising when you’re sick makes it harder for you to fight infections and more susceptible to illness.
4) You’re in Pain (for reals)
If you’re feeling acute or shooting pain. For example, if you slipped and fell the day before and your knee’s still throbbing. Exercise would only make it worse… It’s not uncommon for people to causing more damage to a pre-existing injury by ignoring their body’s pain signals.
A Better Idea: Seek medical attention (if you need it) or take a few days off to rehab your injury.
5) If You – or your kid’s – Safety is in Jeopardy
By this, I mean there’s some act-of-God dangerous weather popping off… If the weather has taken a turn for the worse… i.e. There’s 5 feet of snow/ice on the roads or hurricane force winds blowing debris around town. Or… If you can’t find someone to watch your kids. Stay home. Think of this like a snow-day from school… But just because you get a day off you still homework due…
A Better Idea: Workout from home instead. Try one of my easy at home full body workouts or your favorite exercise DVD instead.
It all boils down to being honest with yourself. By listening and respecting the signs your body and gut are telling you. If you skip a workout for the wrong reasons… you’ll feel guilty. If you made the right decision, acted authentically and truly practiced self-care… You’ll feel good.
I hope you liked this post. If you think if could help someone else, please share it.
xxoo
Your Coach and Biggest Cheerleader : )
P.S. If you’re struggling to lose weight and stay motivated… you may be experiencing metabolic dysfunction or side effects from toxic buildup. Take my free metabolic analysis and I’ll explain what your body type is, if you’re having symptoms of metabolic dysfunction and how you can fix it and start feeling happier, healthier and get fit fast.
