Guilty

rjel78
rjel78 Posts: 102 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I was wondering how many of you feel guilty for taking a day or two off every week from exercising? I really try to get something in 6-7 days a week and get my steps on but from time to time I really feel like taking a day off but imagine I will feel disappointed or guilty. Am I the only one?

Replies

  • MonkeyMel21
    MonkeyMel21 Posts: 2,396 Member
    I do not feel guilty at all for taking two to three rest days per week. I love working out and have been going to a gym regularly for over 8 years so taking a few days off a week is nothing in the long run.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,260 Member
    Never. I think it is common with beginner exercisers though, especially if they are trying to lose weight. There is an "if I'm not doing everything all the time to lose weight I am going to fail" thought process that many people fall into. That's not healthy. Save the guilt for when you run over the neighbor's dog with your car or when you steal money from Grandma for a pack of cigarettes.
  • unsuspectingfish
    unsuspectingfish Posts: 1,176 Member
    I don't take days off, I just do "casual" training, which is usually just low-impact exercises (yoga, walking, etc.), or higher-impact exercises with the reps spread throughout the day.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,486 Member
    Have you actually taken a day off to find out how you feel? If you do not rest, at some point your body will tell you you need to.. Its up to you if you listen to it or not..

    I am older so I need rest and recovery.
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I work out 5 days/week MAX. Sometimes it's only 3 days and on the rare occasion, it's 2. I don't feel guilty unless I blow it off because my inner lazy azz talked me into it, but usually I'm on a regular schedule. On my rest days, I still try to be active even though I have no scheduled workout; walking more, maybe clean my house, etc.

    As mentioned above, it's common for beginners to think they have to work out every day. Luckily, this isn't the case.
  • JustMissTracy
    JustMissTracy Posts: 6,338 Member
    Our bodies actually BENEFIT from the odd day off; Give yourself a break, and I'll bet you will find yourself even MORE motivated after a day or two. Your energy levels, strength levels, mood....all will benefit. If you find yourself feeling a wee guilty, you can make it an "active" rest day. Take a couple of leisurely walks instead of working out! Your body will thank you for the break!!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    nope.

    Rest is a big part of training. It's a vital to training.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,811 Member
    I only workout 3-4x per week, sometimes less. I mean, I do get frustrated if I don't get my 3 lifting sessions per week because I love to train and it will kind of throw my schedule off, but I never feel guilty. In my case, I NEED my rest days, I require adequate rest and recovery to progress.
  • Sara1791
    Sara1791 Posts: 760 Member
    edited January 2017
    No, I don't feel guilty, but my definition of rest has been evolving. It doesn't always mean absolute stillness. It could mean that, but it might also mean a leisurely walk or hike. It might mean going up and down the stairs a bunch of times to get caught up on cleaning and putting away laundry.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    sardelsa wrote: »
    I only workout 3-4x per week, sometimes less. I mean, I do get frustrated if I don't get my 3 lifting sessions per week because I love to train and it will kind of throw my schedule off, but I never feel guilty. In my case, I NEED my rest days, I require adequate rest and recovery to progress.

    Pretty much this...
  • cnbbnc
    cnbbnc Posts: 1,267 Member
    Nope.....never. My training is important to me, but days to rest are just as important. Also...I do have a life beyond my workout time and things that need my time too.
  • sbrandt37
    sbrandt37 Posts: 403 Member
    edited January 2017
    That guilt is sabotaging you. Let it go. Just make an informed decision about what is best for you based on your fitness goals and available time and do it.

    It isn't clear whether you mean casual exercise like walking or more intense exercise like running or weightlifting. There is science that shows it is good to get some kind physical activity every day, but heavier training generally benefits from days off to allow your body to recover, especially for those of us past our physical prime. I think most people take at least 1 or 2 days off per week.
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