What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Working Out

If you get Tired, learn to Rest, NOT Quit.

This is a common question and I have had my fair share of struggle every day — where my mind and body are kind of at war. My mind says — don’t work out, it’s tried and my body says no, you have to get up and just smash the hell out of it.

So who is going to win?

Most days, I let my body win.

As soon as I am in my active gears, I feel powerful — like I am putting up a wonder woman costume (Joking!).

There are days when I can’t even convince my mind and body to work out and feel empty, hopeless, and extremely low. Trying to keep it real guys, there are genuinely a few days where I don’t want to move from my bed.

You are not physically tired but exhausted mentally or just kind of having a low day. If you relate to this, you are not alone, we all have been there.

You might not be there right now. You might still think, “I don’t want to work out today.” You might even think it a lot and tire yourself out in that process.

You’re not always going to feel like training, but if there’s nothing wrong, then you might just need to make yourself do it, anyway.

Exercising when you don’t feel like it helps build inner strength, and afterward, you will also feel the benefits of a boost of positive endorphins.

With some practice and research, there are a few things that usually work in my case — I hope it helps you too in your low days when you don’t feel like working out but still want to keep your fitness routine on track without losing consistency.

Do Express Workouts —

Most of the time express workouts are 15–20 minutes long, yet powerful and effective. It can help you to get you moving. It’s mostly fast-paced workouts, and you can do as many as reps you can in a short time.

You can also try targeted area workouts like ABS, Glutes, Core, etc.

Try Active Recovery Exercises —

When I don’t feel like doing my regular workouts, I go for a couple of miles slow walk or do a slow run to get my body moving.

You can add 1–2 days of active recovery days in your week and try low-intensity workouts like walking, stretching, flexibility, and mobility exercises.

Yoga

Yoga is one of the best workouts for your body and mind. It helps you to relax, listen to your body and make you more mindful in your routine.

It can also help you to calm your body, mind, and can directly impact your mental and emotional well-being positively. So if you are stressed out, exhausted, why not do a yoga session?

On days when your body feels sore remember to do extra stretches or even change up your workout routine a bit.

Silent or Guided Meditation

I prefer silent meditation to wrap up chaotic thoughts. If you are new to meditation, why not start with guided meditation?

Learn Ujjayi Breathing. It can help you boost your focus, concentration and can make your inner thoughts more clear.

Dance Workout/Cardio Workout

This is my absolute favorite. You can grove on your favorite music and still can burn calories. It’s a mood buster and my number one on the list whenever I feel like not exercising.

Treat Yourself Generously

When you are putting your body with such hard work, treat your body right and love the small tiny changes you see after you work out. Changes can be mental, stress relief, anything. Celebrate even if you manage to achieve your goal a tiny bit.

Buy new gear or a fitness gadget or just indulge yourself with some yummy cake or your favorite chocolate or a spa day or hot bubble bath or an afternoon nap or anything you like to do. Choices are limitless.

Working out doesn’t mean you need to cut down everything good in life.

You can make your post-workout smoothie or fruit bowl before you start a workout. This way, you will look forward to some special treat post your workout session.

Take a Mental Day Off or As Many As You Need —

There is nothing wrong if you skip your workout session for one day or two days or even for a week. It is not going to have any negative impact on your body or overall health. Whenever you are ready, come back and give your one hundred percent.

You will not gain or lose any significant weight if you won’t work out for a few days. You need it and your body needs it too.

So don’t feel guilty about taking care of your emotional and mental health wellbeing.

Last but not the least, hydrate and fuel your body regularly with proper food and water.

Rest days are as necessary as your workout. So do not feel guilty if you skip some days. I still spent a lot of time during weekends under the covers binge watching Netflix. No need to push your limits until you are ready. We all have to start somewhere.

In the meantime, while your relationship with exercise develops, use these tips to build an exercise routine you can stick to.

Share your thoughts and what do you like to do on your rest days.

Be Bold

Be Courageous

Be Your Best