We have all been there…those days where you just feel so tired. So tired that you do not want to do anything. You just want to sit on the couch and veg and the last thing on your mind is motivating to exercise.
And we all have had those moments where you feel exhausted, yet for some reason you go and workout and you feel so much better. You are shocked at how horrible you felt just a short while ago and now you feel like a whole new person.
How does that work? And what is the right thing to do? When should you let yourself relax and recover and when should you push and challenge yourself to get your body moving?
I have had clients who have come in for workouts and they are so tired they could easily take a nap right on the gym floor. No joke. Breaks my heart. Part of me wants to tell them to go home because they just seem so beat, but instead I use the 20-minute rule. We workout for 20 minutes and then I check in with their energy levels. 75% of the time, they feel so much better once they just get moving and we continue on with our workout. Exercise is a beautiful thing – it really can turn your mood around! 25% of the time, clients still feel awful. In that case, we slow things down, stretch a bit and I send them home with orders to sit on the couch and relax.
So what should you do on those low energy days? Most importantly, listen to your body. If you are feeling run down and exhausted, please take a well-deserved day off! Or if you want to see if exercise can help, the key is to do something that will have a chance of success. Do not put yourself in a situation that you know is going to end poorly. Don’t set out on a 20-mile hike or a group workout that is far too advanced for you. That will only make you feel worse! Set yourself up for success with a plan that can improve your energy, mood and wellness.
- Go for a walk outside for 10-20 minutes. Take in some fresh air, a pretty view and just get your body moving. If you are feeling better, walk longer or faster or make that walk into a run.
- Pay someone. It seems awful but if you pay someone, you will have to be accountable and you will show up! It’s amazing how that works…
- Ask for help. Reach out to a friend who is in a more motivated space and see if you can tag along for a workout.
- Take advantage of the magical internet! This gal has all sorts of different workouts – try one that works for you!
- Go to your gym and jump on a cardio machine and see how it feels. Turn on some good TV, grab a book or magazine and listen to your favorite music. If your energy gets better, keep it up! If not, just get off and get outta there!
- Let someone else tell you what to do. Sign up for a class, whether it be your all time favorite or one you have been wanting to try. Don’t think, just do what the teacher says. Check in at the 20 minute mark – leave if you like or stay and try to keep up with the music!