Missing a day at the gym

What do you guys do if you miss a day at the gym? Usually I go 5 days a week, but today I don't think I'm going to make it. :( I have a term paper due at 11 pm and a formal meeting at 8 pm that I need to look nice for. I feel that I can't get to the gym (which closes at 9 today), and manage to turn in a personally satisfactory paper before my meeting in less than 4 hours. I have been working on this paper all day today and most of yesterday and I am very frustrated.

Replies

  • DMZ_1
    DMZ_1 Posts: 2,889 Member
    Going 5 days a week is pretty good. I wouldn't be all too worried about missing a day if you regularly go 5 days a week.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    I don't go to the gym (and I don't always work out 5 days a week), but if I did, I would not worry about missing one day out of 5, and focus on the paper. You're not going to suddenly get fat, or lose all your fitness progress from missing one day. It's great that you take fitness seriously, but sometimes other things will take priority.
  • DavePFJ
    DavePFJ Posts: 212 Member
    I usually gain 10 pounds.

    But seriously, life happens. I love working out as much as the next guy, but you can't let it control your life.
  • EricaFaythe
    EricaFaythe Posts: 37 Member
    I don't let it bother me. Life happens.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    It's just a day. Depending on my programming I'll either roll my workouts back so that I do the scheduled workout the next day or I just skip that day altogether and do my next day's workout. In the long run it won't make much difference
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    I usually make a post about it, insinuating that it's a big deal. Seems to work for me.
  • wow, there sure is a lot of hate on here.
    Clarification: I only went to the gym last week once and didn't go much the week before that. I find that I function better if I establish a schedule.

    Also I use workouts as a form of stress relief and as a way to help curb my mental illness issues.

    Also, honestly ... I feel like I've been doing really well to get healthy and I worry that every missed day is like one step closer to going back to old habits.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    two weeks of skipping youre regular five days needs to be addressed.

    Really one day isn't going to make or break you- I work 4 jobs- well I just left one- so as of today- 3.

    regardless- I'm busy. and some days it doesn't happen.

    On those days I either do one of two things.... I do a quick hiit workout at home- takes me 10-12 minutes.

    or I just chalk it up to a rest day and call it square - I make sure I'm on point with my calories for the day and make time the next day or two. easy peasy lemon squeezy.
  • nytrifisoul
    nytrifisoul Posts: 499 Member
    I have a small gym in my house so i usually exercise 7 days a week but when skip a day here and there i just eat light that day. I do my exercise in the morning and save my meals for later in the day/evening so its easy to change my meal plans.
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    It's truly a matter of priorities. Personally, as college student, good grades > working out if I have a limited amount of time. However, preparing a healthy lunch to bring > being at class exactly on time. You just need to figure out what matters more to you and your long-term goals.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    i don't really give it a moments thought, considering i spent a few years missing days at the gym.
  • markink81
    markink81 Posts: 73 Member
    Actually depending on your lifting volume your body will thank you. So I wouldn't sweat it.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    wow, there sure is a lot of hate on here.
    Erm... really? :huh:
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    What you do with your time at the gym is more important than how many times you attend. A decent workout routine should only need doing 3 to 4 times per week. If your current work/school schedule doesn't easily allow you to fit in 5 sessions, just do 3 or 4 and make them count.
  • alisonlynn1976
    alisonlynn1976 Posts: 929 Member
    It happens so rarely that when I have a day where my schedule just doesn't allow it, I don't worry about it and resume the next day.

    Do you spend any time watching TV? If you do, quit watching TV and work out instead, or figure out a way to do both at the same time.

    If you thought the other comments were "hate," you probably think mine is too, but that is not my intention.
  • ash190489
    ash190489 Posts: 587 Member
    It is was me, I'd focus on my paper.. if you have a little break, do a 10 minute Hiit or home workout. all the little minutes spending on here writing and replying could either be used on your paper and getting it finished quicker and therefore you could do a little workout, or you could use this 5 mins as a workout like skipping for 5 mins or 1 min straight of pushups, 1 min triceps dips, 1 min crunches, 1 minute jumping jacks, 1 min plyo lunges. :)
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    microdeload...

    2 weeks tho? CNS burnout?
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    What do you guys do if you miss a day at the gym?

    nothing... sometimes life gets in the way, i wouldnt worry too much as long as one missed session doesnt turn into a month of missed sessions.
  • 30 day shred and a walk...you can find the 30ds on youtube (at least level one)

    and why are you hating on her post it is a valid question-what workouts do you do when you cant go to the gym?
  • stt43
    stt43 Posts: 487
    I like to go 6 days a week, but today is the fifth day in a row I've missed. If I miss seven days in a row I'm going to award myself a prize.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    wow, there sure is a lot of hate on here.
    Clarification: I only went to the gym last week once and didn't go much the week before that. I find that I function better if I establish a schedule.

    Also I use workouts as a form of stress relief and as a way to help curb my mental illness issues.

    Also, honestly ... I feel like I've been doing really well to get healthy and I worry that every missed day is like one step closer to going back to old habits.

    I can relate. I am a depression patient, and exercise is my medication. About 6 years ago I was doing really good going to the gym when my youngest broke his leg badly and had to be in a body cast for 5 weeks. I was his primary caregiver, so *I* could not go to the gym for 6 weeks. It totally threw me off my game, and I couldn't get back in the habit of going to the gym. This time around I went to the gym 5 days a week for 3 weeks to establish a routine. I cannot remember the last time I was at the gym less than 3x per week, and the thought of doing it scares me.

    The last few months have been stressful on me, my father has been in and out of various medical facilities since Memorial Day, and is pretty much terminal. Two weeks ago my trainer strongly suggested that I take a week off to rest. I told him that I couldn't do that. What I did do was NO strength training for a week. I switched up my cardio routine and tried some new things.

    Get your paper done, then get back to your exercise routine. Beating yourself up about the past is not going to make things any easier.
  • LishieFruit89
    LishieFruit89 Posts: 1,956 Member
    30 day shred and a walk...you can find the 30ds on youtube (at least level one)

    and why are you hating on her post it is a valid question-what workouts do you do when you cant go to the gym?
    No one is "hating" at all... jeez

    OP, I saw you've been missing the gym a lot lately and it happens.
    I just got back into the swing of things myself.
    If you can't hit the gym today, take a 15-20 minute paper break and go for a brisk walk around your neighborhood.
    It'll be a nice sanity break from the paper and get you moving
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    30 day shred and a walk...you can find the 30ds on youtube (at least level one)

    and why are you hating on her post it is a valid question-what workouts do you do when you cant go to the gym?

    Actually, that wasn't the question she asked in the OP. Why are you hating in her question?
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    I always go 6 days a week. I get annoyed when the Y is closed for a holiday or something (but I understand they have families too and I get that)... Friday is always my rest day so if I have something going on during the week and absolutely cannot make it that night, I just make it up on Friday. I hold myself accountable by writing all my days I do go on a calendar (marked with a Y). It helps me see my progress.
  • I have been so used to going 5-6 days a week and then I missed two days last week and freaked out. But actually as soon as I went back to the gym after 2 days off I worked out harder than ever. I think the 2 days off ended up helping me and I didn't realize it but maybe my body would like some more rest time than I allow.
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    I have been so used to going 5-6 days a week and then I missed two days last week and freaked out. But actually as soon as I went back to the gym after 2 days off I worked out harder than ever. I think the 2 days off ended up helping me and I didn't realize it but maybe my body would like some more rest time than I allow.

    more time driving, less time lifting
  • cuinboston2014
    cuinboston2014 Posts: 848 Member
    I workout 6 days a week. Most weeks. Occasionally it can't happen or like today I feel like crap and won't be getting a workout in. If I can't do a "legit" workout I play Just dance and walk the dog with my daughter so we are active together. I also make sure I am not over my calories for the day. I know i have to cut back then as my workouts typically give me a nice number to eat.

    I also appreciate a rest day when they come.