Working out isn’t always the best thing for every situation.
I know this may seem confusing, since I am pretty much always pro exercise, especially when it can be difficult to fit into our schedules, but working out isn’t always the answer to life’s problems. When it comes to your health you have to take many other considerations into account, and make sure you are doing what is best for your overall health, and not just trying to look good for bikini season or punish yourself for eating a donut. Here are three times when working out really isn’t the answer:
When you can’t lose the last ten pounds. Many people exercise to lose weight, but when you are on that last 10 pounds, sometimes you can beat yourself up by working out extra hard. This leads your body into stress mode, which releases cortisol, which signals you to eat, which adds to those last 10 stubborn pounds. If you focus on what you are eating and use exercise as a supplement, you will achieve better results.
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When your body is telling you to go easy. It may be your inclination to be determined and work out harder even when your body wants you to stop, but this isn’t always a good thing. If your body is signaling that you shouldn’t go to the gym, try taking a relaxing walk or doing some yoga instead. Ask yourself if you really NEED to be exercising. If the answer is no, give yourself permission to rest. Your body will thank you later.
When workouts leave you exhausted. A good workout should leave you feeling energized at the end, not depleted. If you feel completely exhausted at the end of a workout, you may have lost a few pounds, but chances are you aren’t balancing your exercise with your life.
The most important thing with exercise and working out is to make sure you balance your fitness with your life. If you are spending too much time killing yourself at the gym, you will lose sight of the reason you are doing it in the first place, which is, to lead a happier, healthier life.
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