This week I’m taking a mini workout sabbatical.
For the next seven days I won’t dangle a toe into the high intensity training area, I won’t bat an eye at the weight rack, and I probably won’t get my Down Dog on. Instead I will be focusing on gentle walks and implementing a mobility and stretch routine.
Perhaps you also need a break from fitness?
Read on to find out when you should take a mini workout hiatus, why it’s important, and then join me for the guided 10 minute stretch routine below.
I don’t know if it was coming off a busy 2015, readjusting to life after the holidays or feeling a little less energized during the winter months, but for the last few weeks my lackluster workouts have left something to be desired.
This has happened before and I know it’s my body telling me to take a little fitness break. I’ve ignored similar warnings in the past and have ended up injured, which is a mistake I’m not willing to make again.
Remember that healthy living is about moderation and too much of anything is not good for you … including exercise.
If lately your workouts have been less effective, or you notice that your body is permanently fatigued, you may want to join me in taking a week off from training.
3 Reasons Why It’s Important To Take A Fitness Break
- Repetitive movements can lead to strain and injury. Even if you vary your workouts throughout the week you are still using a lot of the same muscles and joints. Taking a rest period allows the immune system to heal the micro-tears in the muscle fiber, creating stronger muscles and preventing injury.
2. Rest days make you inspired to up your game. If your fitness motivation has waned and you’re doing your workouts on auto-pilot, taking a break from structured exercise will help you feel recharged and inspired to reboot your workouts and see new results.
3. Overtraining can cause a fitness & weight loss plateau. Excessive exercise lowers your immune system, puts stress on your joints, and can cause hormonal imbalance. This signals to your body that it’s under attack and, counterintuitively as it may seem, causes the body to store fat. While we know that we live in 2016 our biological self has stayed in the days of feast-or-famine, so your body still defaults to fat storage as its built in protection mechanism.
Why You Want This
Another benefit of taking a training break is that it gives you more free time. While I don’t believe in the excuse that people “don’t have time” to workout, every once in a while it is nice to get a bonus 30 – 45 minutes in your day. Use it wisely for self care.
Why You Need This
Of course taking a training break doesn’t mean you need to turn into a couch potato. I recommend gentle daily walks outside and joining me for today’s 10 minute stretch routine, which increases flexibility, prevents injury, and shows your body some lengthening love.
How To Get Your Fiancé On Board
Turn those strolls around the block into mini dates. I love when Nate and I wrap up our work day and go for a walk, we always have great conversation and it sets the tone for a relaxed evening at home.
10 Minute Guided Stretch Routine For Flexibility
Now I’d love to hear from you! Tell me one or two ways you will use your time off from working out to nurture your body, mind or relationship. Having a plan of how to spend your time will make it productive and rewarding, instead of losing another hour to social media or work. I can’t wait to hear from you in the comments below!
With love,
Jennifer Dene xoxo
