8 good reasons to skip a workout

There are days when the way from home to the fitness room becomes an insurmountable obstacle, and you don’t feel like working out at all. Of course, we are not talking about those cases when you prefer a soft sofa and TV series to treadmills and swimming pools every day. Sometimes it is worth listening to your body, which signals you that the load today is not desirable at all. That’s when you can use our list of eight good reasons not to go to training.

Mild illness

It’s not a good idea to exercise when you’re feeling sick. However, in the case of a slight runny nose or the beginnings of a sore throat, a low-intensity workout can help get the blood flowing and promote recovery. But here it is better to judge by how you feel. If your symptoms include a cough, headache or a strong runny nose, cancel the exercise, as it can only worsen the situation.

Natalia Khamraeva, a nurse in traumatology and sports medicine, a personal trainer of TOP category, shared her expert opinion with us.

Natalia: “Even in case of minor catarrhal phenomena it is better to stay at home, because a slight runny nose and the beginnings of a sore throat can be the initial signs of acute respiratory viral infections. Even a light workout in such a state will not be beneficial. Moreover, there is a high probability of infecting those around you.”

Fever

If you do not want to achieve complications, it is better to stay at home. Relax, and start by drinking hot tea with raspberries or lemon.

Natalia: “When the temperature rises, you should never self-medicate and the more so ignore the symptoms. Be sure to see a doctor.

Muscle and joint pain

Muscles need time to recover. Excessive strain can lead to exactly the opposite result, so don’t forget to give your body a rest.

But joint pain can signal an injury, so it’s better to go straight to the doctor instead of the gym to rule out all possible risks.

Natalia: “In order to avoid excessive loads, it is necessary to undergo functional testing in the office of a sports doctor, which is necessarily in every self-respecting club. Only the doctor, based on the results of a number of tests, will determine the acceptable level of load and, taking into account the data obtained, will give recommendations on the training process.

Lack of sleep

Quality sleep is an important component of an effective workout. At least in the gym, you won’t do much good if you fall asleep on the machine. Besides, being tired during a workout increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Natalia: “Lack of sleep is the scourge of modern man. And the cause is not necessarily a violation of sleep and wakefulness. The optimal solution in this situation will be to consult a doctor who will help to deal with this problem”.

Bad mood

You’ll be surprised, but yes, this can also be a good reason to cancel a workout. However, it’s all individualized here. If in your case sport works as a great way to release endorphins, then you shouldn’t give up your workout, even if you really want to. But if you do realize that you’ll have to exercise through tears today, postpone your workout to the next day and allow yourself a piece of chocolate or a spontaneous purchase.

Overeating

Having a banquet or going to visit your grandmother before a workout is a bad idea. At least a couple of hours should pass after a heavy meal. If it is not possible to postpone the exercise, it is better to cancel it altogether. Otherwise, during the workout, the blood supply to the stomach will be reduced – the food will be digested with difficulty. You are likely to feel heavy, experience shortness of breath and even increase the risk of vomiting.

Natalia: “Training after overeating, just like on an empty stomach, does more harm than good. Concentration and reaction speed are reduced because, in the first case, the body is busy releasing enzymes to digest food, and in the second – trying to work in an energy-saving mode, so as not to spend calories more than it can afford”.

Hangover

To expel alcohol vapors in the hall is accustomed to many Russians. However, at this point you need light healthy foods, fresh air and a good night’s sleep. Remember: training with a hangover can be fatal!

Natalia: “Of course, you should not train in this case. The body is not physically ready for it and training will not only be unproductive, but may also have a negative impact on your health. But you can overcome this negative state with the help of various detox spa programs or light cardio-loading”.

Lack of desire

This would seem to be the most obvious reason. However, it’s not that simple. The fact is that the lack of desire to go to a workout can arise because this type of exercise simply does not suit you. For example, why force yourself to run on the hated treadmill, if you have been drawn to dancing all your life? Feel free to cancel your workout and sign up for the nearest dance studio. This way you will spend calories and get satisfaction. And most importantly – the need to force yourself to go to practice will disappear by itself.