Not Feeling It?

When to Train, When to Rest and How to Know Which Option Is Right for How You Feel

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No matter what shape you’re in, or even how often you hit the gym, there will be days when you feel like you just can’t push anymore — the weights feel really heavy, you can’t get into the groove or you’re just plain hurting. Hey, it happens. But how should you handle it? Give in and try again tomorrow, or push through, getting in a workout regardless?

When To Push Through

Perhaps the most important factor in this dilemma is to listen to your body. Monitoring everyday aches and knowing the difference between them and more serious twinges or pains is key. If you’re indeed just struggling, but not hurt, what can you do?

Sports psychologists suggest that on the days you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workout, you can turn the obstacle into a challenge by testing how much you can get accomplished when feeling out of your rhythm.

You almost have to view these days as separate workouts from the ones when you are feeling good. Eventually, you’ll be able to increase the intensity you put forth on days when you’re feeling lousy and have stellar workouts regardless.

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