It’s your day off; you really don’t fancy getting your athleisure on and heading to your local gym, the thought of being around other people today is not inspiring you. However, there is that voice in your head nagging you that if you don’t do something, it could be the catalyst in the downfall of your routine and the positive changes you have worked hard to find consistency with.
The good news is; variety and rest days are an integral part of any workout program. They, in fact, aid in your overall health and fitness, as well as improving body composition. Changing your running trainers for comfortable walking shoes, on these days, may actually boost development in the target areas you have been working on. If you are mentally and physically dreading the gym today, your body is probably telling you that you need that rest after a hard week of training.
Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean you have to spend the day in bed (although we all need days like this once in a while!) but make this day your chance to step out of the gym and enter the rest of the world, time to make the most of the little extras.
After a day or two away, exploring a new city or experience, there is no better feeling than returning fresh and ready to take on the daily routine again. I love to walk, take in sights and embrace the extra steps.
My daughter, she loves to run and jump and climb and swim; if we stay away from home then we have to have a pool in the hotel! Often, we take a day to get in a walk to a trampoline park or crazy golf course, using this as our family time as well. Swapping the high intensity workouts for an activity with friends or family, keeping your body moving while spending quality time with those you love, those feel good hormones will start coming at you from all angles. Need time alone? Take it! Your favourite track, a podcast, or just taking in the sounds of your surroundings, enjoy some steps on your own.
Walking is an extremely underrated form of exercise, with benefits beyond generic weight loss goals, including; strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system, lowering risk of diseases (including heart disease), there are studies leading to walking helping to prevent dementia and osteoporosis, while boosting your vitamin D and elevating endorphins. Walking is low impact and highly mood enhancing, and most 0f us can just go and do it without even thinking twice.
So, make the most of those little extras. The days you know you need a rest, the days where you can’t think of anything worse than going to the gym, the days where you might not be near a gym, get out and explore the world. You can thank me after.
By Kat Morgan Fitness