Whether you missed an alarm, had to work late, or just didn’t have it in you one day, there are many reasons why your plan to hit the gym might have fallen through. Life can be unpredictable, and that can cause you to fall short of your plans to work out. While consistency is important for progress, missing a workout day doesn’t have to derail your fitness journey.
In this article, we’ll explore what to do if you’ve missed an exercise day and how to get back on track without feeling discouraged.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
The first step in handling a missed gym day is to avoid beating yourself up over it. If you stayed on track for 90 days and then missed one, you may be tempted to feel like you’re back to zero. In reality, you’ve made 90 out of 91 times, and that means you’re still killing it out there.
You may feel like you have to “catch up” in some way the next time you work out, and this is part of that self-criticism you should avoid. You can’t truly makeup for missing a workout; just move on and get back on track.
Remember that life happens, and occasional disruptions are normal. It’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset and avoid falling into a cycle of guilt or self-criticism. Acknowledge that missing a gym day doesn’t define your overall commitment to fitness.
Assess the Reason
Reflect on the reason why you missed your workout. Was it due to an unexpected event, lack of time, or feeling unwell?
Understanding the underlying cause can help you prevent similar situations in the future. If it was within your control, consider ways to better prioritize your fitness routine and make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule. Remember, taking care of yourself is of utmost importance.
Adjust Your Schedule
If you’ve missed a gym day, look for alternative opportunities to fit in exercise during the week. Assess your schedule and identify time slots where you can dedicate to physical activity. It could be early mornings, lunch breaks, or evenings. If you’re a night owl, you may have a hard time trying to get up at 7 a.m. to work out every day. Likewise, you may not be suite to working out at night if you have to work early.
Be flexible and open to adjusting your routine to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
Opt for a Home Workout
When you can’t make it to the gym, consider doing a home workout instead.
There are plenty of effective exercises that require minimal or no equipment. Look for online workout videos or apps that offer guided home workouts suited to your fitness level and goals. Bodyweight exercises, yoga, or HIIT routines are great options for a challenging workout without access to gym equipment.
Beyond that, why NOT build yourself a home gym? There may be a number of reasons why you don’t think it works for you, primarily space and cost for most people. However, there are ways to get around those obstacles. If you’re struggling to find space to set up gym equipment at home or aren’t sure how to afford it, consider expending on the concept of elastic resistance training. This form of training uses resistance bands, which are lightweight, space-conscious and affordable, to give you variable resistance in your training.
Prioritize Active Breaks
If catching up on a missed gym day seems challenging, focus on incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. It’s easier than you think.
Take active breaks during the day by going for a brisk walk, climbing stairs, or stretching. These short bursts of activity can add up and help maintain your fitness momentum. Remember, every bit of movement counts, and staying active throughout the day contributes to your overall well-being.
Wrap It Up
Missing a gym day is not a reason to give up on your fitness goals. Instead of dwelling on the setback, focus on how you can bounce back and prioritize your health. By adopting a positive mindset, adjusting your schedule, opting for home workouts, and incorporating activity throughout your day, you can stay on track and continue progressing towards a healthier and fitter lifestyle.
For more tips on how to make your best workout and reach your fitness goals, keep following our blog for more posts every week.
0 Comments