Should I workout today?

HakunaMatata137
HakunaMatata137 Posts: 63 Member
edited December 19 in Health and Weight Loss
Kind of a weird question lol.
I'm actually in the mood to workout. I would enjoy it.
But my schedule today is packed, and I'm exhausted. I have class in 5 minutes, then I have a 45 minute break (where I was gonna workout in), then I have another class, then I have another 45 minute break before I have to go to work until the evening.
I want to workout, but at the same time, I only have so much free time today and I would loveee to use that time to just chill at home and maybe clean up and eat something and just relax when I can today.
I've worked out the past 3 days, but I've been trying to work out 5 days/week. Normally I can do it and love it, but I wanna have some time to relax today.
What would you do in this situation? Skip or 'just do it'?

Replies

  • bobsburgersfan
    bobsburgersfan Posts: 6,471 Member
    It depends. On the one hand, if you want to and would enjoy it, go for it! It'll make you feel good. :smile: On the other hand, I think 4 workouts per week is pretty respectable and it's not the end of the world if you skip a day.

    If you find yourself asking this question often, and being busy becomes a regular excuse to skip workouts, that's when I'd start worrying and force myself to go, but I don't get the impression that you are anywhere close to that point.
  • HakunaMatata137
    HakunaMatata137 Posts: 63 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    Sounds like you want permission to skip it. You've worked out the past three days. If you need personal down time, then take it. Rest is as important as exercise.

    LOL, I think you're right
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    You can do whatever you want. Fitness is important...so is rest and down time and your fitness regimen should be flexible and fit with your other goings on in life.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    You don’t have to work out every day if you don’t want to or if you have other needs to meet. Taking time to chill is a legitimate mental health need.
  • Crafty_camper123
    Crafty_camper123 Posts: 1,440 Member
    edited January 2019
    Maybe instead of an actual workout, just use a bit of your 45 minute break to get in a short walk? You can get a little physical activity in, AND take a bit of time for yourself. All in all it really just depends on what you are in the mood for when the time comes I suppose.
  • Silentpadna
    Silentpadna Posts: 1,306 Member
    HakunaMatata137 wrote: »
    Kind of a weird question lol.
    I'm actually in the mood to workout. I would enjoy it.
    But my schedule today is packed, and I'm exhausted. I have class in 5 minutes, then I have a 45 minute break (where I was gonna workout in), then I have another class, then I have another 45 minute break before I have to go to work until the evening.
    I want to workout, but at the same time, I only have so much free time today and I would loveee to use that time to just chill at home and maybe clean up and eat something and just relax when I can today.
    I've worked out the past 3 days, but I've been trying to work out 5 days/week. Normally I can do it and love it, but I wanna have some time to relax today.
    What would you do in this situation? Skip or 'just do it'?

    A good fitness program should have rest time incorporated. Recovery is where the magic happens. If you are just randomly working out as much as possible, you might think about making a routine that includes recovery. If you are working out for sole purpose of burning calories, remember that it's a very small portion of impact on a deficit (if you're trying to lose weight).
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    I vote for not working out. You don't need to work out 5 days a week, people do benefit from rest, and 45 minutes is not a lot of time given that you also need to presumably shower, change clothes, and get to class. Honestly your time would be better spent studying, doing homework, or just relaxing.

    For what it's worth I'm currently mildly grumpy as I have an unexpected break in my schedule today that would give me enough time to workout, but I don't have any workout clothes with me. I will likely spend that extra few hours studying, doing research, and eating a more relaxed lunch instead.
  • SirMxyzptlk
    SirMxyzptlk Posts: 841 Member
    I am just getting back to working out and MFP in general, but I have had this arguement with myself a lot of times in the past. For me, I started giving myself permission to have lighter days and rest days, and was much happier and productive then on days I forced myself to go.

    That said, exercise has the exact same effect on your body whether you wanted to be there or not.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    a calorie deficit is what results in weight loss. exercise has other benefits.

    i go in stages of working out. sometimes i do 5 days a week, sometimes i go weeks at a time without stepping foot in the gym.

    regardless, i still lose weight consistently.
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