Fitness
Rest days can do a body good.
And thats why knowing when to skip a workout is key.
In general, its also super important to take breaks as part of ahealthy exercise routine.
Taking arest day allows the body to recover, says Mentus.
While planned rest days are crucial, throwing in a random day off is perfectly OK, too.
It all depends on whats going on and what you need.
Read on below for a list of signs you should skip a workout, straight from trainers.
How To Know When To Skip A Workout
1.
The sooner you relax, the sooner youll be able to get back in the game.
You Arent Fully Recovering
Recovery is a super important aspect of training.
When you dont do these things, your body is consideredunder-recovered.
These are all signs you probably shouldve skipped your workout for a much-needed break.
Rest will allow the body to catch up on its recovery before it becomes a problem, he adds.
By not getting the right amount of recovery [you might need a] longer break later on.
Check with your doctor about when its safe to hit the gym again.
In these cases, you may benefit by doing a light workout.
You might even injure yourself because youre too tired to use proper form.
Another option is to postpone the tough workout and go for a walk orspend some time stretchinginstead.
These acts are just as beneficial to your physical health as lifting weights, she says.
This is another case when a walk, stretch, orfoam rolling sessionmight be your best bet.
Our bodies need a break, and so do our minds, Mejia tells Bustle.
Mejia recommends sleeping, resting, or doing other activities you enjoy.
you could always get back to the gym tomorrow.
Studies referenced:
Doherty, R. (2021).
The Sleep and Recovery Practices of Athletes.Nutrients,13(4).https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041330
Dupuy, O. Golshani, K. (2017).
Upper extremity weightlifting injuries: Diagnosis and management.
Hoogeboom, T. J.
Sport, exercise, and the common cold.
PMID: 16558389; PMCID: PMC1318446.
