What’s the hardest thing about working out? Finding the time? Finding something you enjoy doing? Finding the right equipment? Making yourself put on your trainers and head out the door? For me, the hardest part of working is out is taking a break.
I’ve been feeling kind of run down lately, so I did something very unusual – and very difficult – for me: I took an entire week off from working out. What a tough week it was, coming home after work and just… doing nothing. No elliptical, no kettlebells, no DVDs, no BoSU ball. Just the couch and Netflix, for six days in a row. The good news is, my energy level is back, and I feel like my old self again. On Saturday, I worked out twice. And yesterday I did a new DVD workout (review to come) that really kicked my butt. It felt amazing!
Any marathon training program worth its salt incorporates rest days. Taking a day or two off between strength training sessions is equally important – it gives your muscles a chance to recoup and rebuild. As much as I love working out, I do take 1 or 2 days off per week (usually Fridays and sometimes Sundays). But an entire week felt like a lifetime! I feel so much better when I do something active, when I get my heart pumping, most days of the week. My body needed the break, though, and I listened to it, as hard as it was for my brain to get on board.
What’s the longest break you’ve taken with working out? Share your workout habits in the comments!
