Weve all had days when weve talked ourselves into either skipping or changing a planned workout.
On other days, we just dont feel like exerting the effort.
Here aresome questions you should ask yourselfbefore you choose the couch over the treadmill.
Will I regret my decision?
When this happens, take a moment to imagine what you might feel like after youve made your decision.
Will you feel regret that you arent making progress toward a fitness goal?
Or will you feel relief that you gave yourself the rest you needed?
What have my other workouts this week looked like?
Doing so involves making a planone that will work with your particular situationand then adjusting as needed.
Will I be making up this workout?
This is one of those questions where you’re gonna wanna be honest with yourself.
What is my reason for changing my plan?
Are you thinking about skipping or modifying your workout because you are sick?
Worn down from a long day at work?
Pinpointing the real reason isnt always easy, but its useful.
For mental fatiguethe kind you get after a long day of workgetting in a workout can actually help.
If the fatigue is physical, however, a challenging workout may make you feel worse.
For illness, your priority needs to be rest and recovery.
Our bodies will let us know when they need rest, Parolini said.
Respect that and allow your immune system to do its job.
When it comes to sleep deprivation, think carefully before doing a hard workout.
Consider a lower intensity workout if you are running on low.
Will changing my workout plans affect my goals?
Skipping the last long run before your race might not be such a good idea.
Its also good to envision what it feel like to achieve your goal.
Can I make working out more enjoyable?
Workouts are meant to challenge you, not bore you to tears.
It doesnt matter if the workout is the best in the world, Parolini said.
If you dont like it, you wont stick with it.
Will rewarding myself help?
Dont underestimate the power of bribing yourself.
(Chocolate also works.)
Can I modify, rather than skip, my workout?
Give yourself the latitude to make changes if needed, Parolini said.
Keep in mind that routine is important.
Life is always going to happen and flexibility is important, Parolini said.
Something is always better than nothing.
What impact will this have on the rest of my day?
Workouts often have the effect of improving our mood and our energy level.
Sometimes thats enough to get you started, even when your mind is telling you no.
Is there anything holding me back?
We all have our excuses for not wanting to work out.
Youre notrequiredto work out.
