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Workout woes...

acknan
acknan Posts: 261 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I love to walk for exercise. I regularly walk at the local state park or on my treadmill. I don't go super fast, but I usually log 5-6 miles each day that I work out. My problem is that I will have a few great days in a row and then one day where I just seem to tank. I hate every step, can't seem to get my heart rate up or maintain it, want to quit before I make it to the third mile. This usually comes the day after a really good workout. I'm not really sore or anything, but I seem to hit a wall immediately.

My question is, do I HAVE to take days off? I like to work out every day, especially since it allows me to eat more than just salad and granola for the day. I suppose it makes more sense to take a day off so that I don't have multiple days of lame workouts (yesterday and today were awful burns and just generally unpleasant), but I hate to think of taking days off. I am really committed to my new eating and exercising plan and want to go full throttle, but if I need to skip a day here and there, I will. Would it be better is I switched to the bike or wii fit on these days off?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! :)

-Nan

Replies

  • sbluvr84
    sbluvr84 Posts: 1
    In the past, when I've trained for 5Ks and such, I always took 1 or 2 days off a week. You will be amazed at what good it can do. Generally, on a day back at the gym after a day off, my energy levels are higher and my body just feels more prepared for the workout. When you're working out so often, your muscles need time to rest in between so they can heal and become stronger, so I would try taking at least one day off a week....maybe focus on abs or something a little lighter if you feel the need to workout (but I would avoid the bike).

    Hope this helps!
  • fluffykitsune
    fluffykitsune Posts: 236 Member
    IDK. when i take a day off i find it so hard to start again. just one day off, then the next i only do it halfway, and then it takes me awhile to get back into the swing of things. i feel horrible if i dont workout a day and then i just feel so bad that i don't even want to anymore lol.
    i'm not going to have break days anymore, maybe 'light' days or a 'light' week if i did great for a month. but you know everyone is different.
  • denitraross
    denitraross Posts: 325 Member
    wow - I had the exact same problem..I hateeeeee taking days off (I feel the same, I can't eat as much)...however, you do have to take days off, or your body will be very mad at you (which your experiencing)...I will usually make myself take a day off every 10 days or so because I know my body needs it....and I usually eat slightly above my calorie goal for that day....and they are usually my best weigh in days...and the workout the day after my break is usually my best workout (especially strength training, I can lift so much more).....

    You could try something like Yoga on your days off (not great calorie burner) but great for flexibility and strength...and this makes me feel "less guilty" about the days off...
  • dracobaby82
    dracobaby82 Posts: 380 Member
    you know I feel that way as well... but my thing is I know myself lol I can do good all week working out, then it comes to a day off and it doesn't just stop at a day... used to kinda give up after a couple weeks of days off and never going back. So I'm having a hard time now, I never want to take days off, and when it happens unexpectedly I get all grouchy! Looking forward to all the comments on this :)
  • lisapickering
    lisapickering Posts: 374
    That day when you feel sluggish is your body telling you that you need rest. If you don't want to take a rest day, the idea of doing something different is a good idea. Try something using different muscles, yoga and swimming are both good options.
  • acknan
    acknan Posts: 261 Member
    I'm not afraid of quitting, more like I am hesitant to take time off because I fear it will adversely affect my weight loss. I am going to take tomorrow off and return on Friday. We'll see how it goes. (honestly, I wouldn't mind a nap rather than a sweat tomorrow afternoon!)
This discussion has been closed.

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