Decisions and Guilt, could use some advice

twopaulines
twopaulines Posts: 55 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So for 57 days I've been going to the gym a minimum of 4-5 days a week doing 60 minutes of cardio and about 45-60 minutes of weight lifting. It's been my escape, my home away from home, the powerhouse, and backbone to my endeavors. Gotten great results. I have loved it.

But this week, I was considering taking this week off from the gym. And in place, walking those 6 days a week for an hour in my neighborhood. I just thought a week break would be....kinda nice. BUT, I am overwhelmed with guilt. I am afraid if I step off the path I've beaten for 57 days that my mind will want to stay there. I know I control every single bit of this and it doesn't mean I'll get use to not going to the gym. IDK...I'm just afraid I guess to miss the time at the gym. It's been my security blanket and my mental ticket to a healthier life. But honestly I would love the week at home, walking in the neighborhood with my son. I just can't decide what to do.

Thanks in advance for your advice! :)

Replies

  • thavoice
    thavoice Posts: 1,326 Member
    So for 57 days I've been going to the gym a minimum of 4-5 days a week doing 60 minutes of cardio and about 45-60 minutes of weight lifting. It's been my escape, my home away from home, the powerhouse, and backbone to my endeavors. Gotten great results. I have loved it.

    But this week, I was considering taking this week off from the gym. And in place, walking those 6 days a week for an hour in my neighborhood. I just thought a week break would be....kinda nice. BUT, I am overwhelmed with guilt. I am afraid if I step off the path I've beaten for 57 days that my mind will want to stay there. I know I control every single bit of this and it doesn't mean I'll get use to not going to the gym. IDK...I'm just afraid I guess to miss the time at the gym. It's been my security blanket and my mental ticket to a healthier life. But honestly I would love the week at home, walking in the neighborhood with my son. I just can't decide what to do.

    Thanks in advance for your advice! :)

    I understand it can be a bit overwhelming. Sort of like if you lost alot of weight and all sudden want to indulge in a huge meal!

    I know when i started running I was afraid to take a day off in fear I would gain it all back in a day!

    It is good to let your body and mind rest. I say go ahead and do what you planned. Walk around instead of going to the gym. It is good to take a mental/physical break.

    I get after that week you will go back in refreshed, renewed and see your workouts get better after that time away.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Try walking your neighborhood for a day or two. If you miss the gym then start going back.
  • twopaulines
    twopaulines Posts: 55 Member
    Thank you so much! That's sort of how I feel. I still LOVE this place and honestly do something new each and every workout. I am hoping this break will give me that renewed freshness that I need.
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I get it. I feel if I take a break I'll end up back at where I started and I never want to go back there. Or that I wouldn't start back up again after that break.

    Sometimes a forced break is good, though.Rest is just as important as exercise and it also makes you realize why you do the work you do.
  • twopaulines
    twopaulines Posts: 55 Member
    Try walking your neighborhood for a day or two. If you miss the gym then start going back.
    That's a good idea also. I work nights and about to start a three in a row. Usually I take the rest day in between my two worst shifts (because I just don't get more than 5 hrs of sleep). And it's been working fine. But it would be even more nice knowing I can wake up and just go out the door for a walk . There are honestly days I drag myself in that place. I'm always glad I go, I never have regrets. But a week break sounds reeeeeally appealing lol
  • sweetpea03b
    sweetpea03b Posts: 1,123 Member
    I have lost most of my weight walking everyday... in my neighborhood... and lifting 3x/week. No gym. Believe it - it's possible. Take the week off... it's your life!
  • FitFLNana
    FitFLNana Posts: 11 Member
    I felt the same way - but like after a year at the gym! Was afraid to take an entire week off working out. I walk regularly in between workouts though. Read on a weight lifting forum that it was actually good to take a week off a couple times a year! So - when I go on vacation - I don't worry if I miss the entire week at the gym - I walk or do other "fun" activities. It's a great mental break as well - and spending the time with your son is a big plus - and time you'll never regret!
  • sahi2lynn
    sahi2lynn Posts: 87 Member
    Not sure what kind of weight training you are doing, but my course recommends a week off every 6-8 weeks. Enjoy your walks without guilt!!! Please!!!!
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    You feel bad when you don't go to the gym.

    You have nothing stopping you from going to the gym.



    ...what was the problem, again?
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I usually take 3-4 days off every few months.

    I can't take 6 days off with no exercise- I go insane.

    But yes- take days off- you're body needs the rest- and it's totally okay.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    So for 57 days I've been going to the gym a minimum of 4-5 days a week doing 60 minutes of cardio and about 45-60 minutes of weight lifting.

    You're spending two hours in the gym a day? That's not necessary. If you feel you must do cardio then do 30 minutes of lifting and 30 minutes of cardio or 45 minutes of lifting and 15 minutes of cardio.

    You don't have to do an all or nothing thing. You can go for a walk a few days a week then lift a few days a week.
  • twopaulines
    twopaulines Posts: 55 Member
    So for 57 days I've been going to the gym a minimum of 4-5 days a week doing 60 minutes of cardio and about 45-60 minutes of weight lifting.

    You're spending two hours in the gym a day? That's not necessary. If you feel you must do cardio then do 30 minutes of lifting and 30 minutes of cardio or 45 minutes of lifting and 15 minutes of cardio.

    You don't have to do an all or nothing thing. You can go for a walk a few days a week then lift a few days a week.

    On January 18th, I had a traumatic leg injury. I couldn't walk for about 10 weeks. When I finally got the clear, I was determined to rehab this thing. I don't do pain medicine and I KNOW the excess weight adds to trouble with leg injuries. So i've been lifting that much to get a balance back and strengthen this leg back. Granted, I now have added abdominals and arms to my routine. But initially it was all rehab driven. And it's working. Most days I don't have a limp, I don't have to take medicine for pain unless I'm working my 12 hr shift, then I take Ibuprofen. So yes, I have more goals than weight loss.
  • twopaulines
    twopaulines Posts: 55 Member
    I felt the same way - but like after a year at the gym! Was afraid to take an entire week off working out. I walk regularly in between workouts though. Read on a weight lifting forum that it was actually good to take a week off a couple times a year! So - when I go on vacation - I don't worry if I miss the entire week at the gym - I walk or do other "fun" activities. It's a great mental break as well - and spending the time with your son is a big plus - and time you'll never regret!

    I'm not planning to take a week off of exercise. Just a week from the gym. I live in the mountains and my neighborhood has many hills. I walk my neighborhood at least twice a week with my son anyway. So I thought I'd replace the gym this week for the walking only.
  • Hell_Flower
    Hell_Flower Posts: 348 Member
    It's summer! Get outside while you can!
  • knitapeace
    knitapeace Posts: 1,013 Member
    I've also seen recommendations that people take an "exercise break" or a "diet break" occasionally, but I've been afraid to try. I'm happy for the progress I've made, but the fear part seems a little obsessive. Walking is such a gentle exercise, though...I like the idea of not stopping altogether but just subbing in something slightly easier for a week. I may have to give that a try. I'll be celebrating the 1 year anniversary of beginning my fitness program soon, and that might be a nice way to commemorate.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    So for 57 days I've been going to the gym a minimum of 4-5 days a week doing 60 minutes of cardio and about 45-60 minutes of weight lifting.

    You're spending two hours in the gym a day? That's not necessary. If you feel you must do cardio then do 30 minutes of lifting and 30 minutes of cardio or 45 minutes of lifting and 15 minutes of cardio.

    You don't have to do an all or nothing thing. You can go for a walk a few days a week then lift a few days a week.

    On January 18th, I had a traumatic leg injury. I couldn't walk for about 10 weeks. When I finally got the clear, I was determined to rehab this thing. I don't do pain medicine and I KNOW the excess weight adds to trouble with leg injuries. So i've been lifting that much to get a balance back and strengthen this leg back. Granted, I now have added abdominals and arms to my routine. But initially it was all rehab driven. And it's working. Most days I don't have a limp, I don't have to take medicine for pain unless I'm working my 12 hr shift, then I take Ibuprofen. So yes, I have more goals than weight loss.

    I wasn't even talking about weight loss. I was pointing out that an hour in the gym is more than enough for any goal (I prepared for a bodybuilding competition 5 days a week in the gym for 45 minutes). I was also pointing out that you don't have to go to the gym all week or go walking all week, you can do both.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Guilt? I don't understand.

    Why would you feel guilty for not going to the gym?

Categories