Embracing the fitness journey translates to adopting a constant work out routine -at home or at the gym. There is always the excitement that we experience in working out and seeing results manifest. You constantly remind yourself that you have to work out so that you do not go back to the distraught physical and mental state that you’re in. Nonetheless, just like other journey’s, one can reach a point there are not motivated to work out.

Of course, the lack of motivation doesn’t necessarily have to be linked with you being a failure. But, sometimes you just want to rest. A fitness hiatus could be because you have just acquired a new business or employment, you’re sick, you’re pregnant, you’re going for vacation/travelling, you have moved places/houses and so many other reasons.

Change in schedule after opening a new business or work areas as well as moving houses can affect one’s gym schedule ultimately affecting one’s work out routine. The first trimester of pregnancy -which is characterized with mood and hormonal changes – can lead to one being less motivated to work out. Prior to my first pregnancy, I was quick on my feet to go to the gym and exercise. However, after I conceived I hardly felt like exercising let alone go to the gym. Throughout my pregnancy period I always felt anxious that I was not working out or worried that I was letting myself down and would lose my fitness track. It was daunting to see myself slack away in my couch or bed just because I did not feel like exercising.

Many people in the fitness realm only emphasize on continuity in working out as compared to rest. Hence, they heighten the reasoning of non-stop working out routine. As such, when we take a fitness rest, feelings of guilt and anxiety develop and overwhelm us because we always feel that we should strictly stick to the routine. These feelings are not invalid. They’re as a result of us not seeking to backslide to our ways of unhealthy eating and lack of physical exercise.

Nonetheless, taking a fitness rest is important – whether intentional or unintentional. Studies have shown fitness rest lead to muscle recovery, prevent injury, and booth mental wellness. It is necessary that you relax and consider your resting period as a productive activity which is essential for your body. Moreover, there should no be timeline on how long you should rest. You as an individual should determine your period of rest -no matter how long or short – and are not losing out on anything because only you know what’s good for your body.

Avoiding guilt or anxiety during your fitness hiatus will promote more mental and physical wellness. This can only be ensured by you understanding that attaining fitness perfection is not the only important aspect in your life. Your family, job, hobbies, classwork might need your time more than working out. Hence if there’s such collision of interests prioritizing what’s good for you even if it means not working out for one month, year it is really okay. Take as much rest as you can and relax your way through your lazy days.