Move with your mood
By Rob Parr
Don’t feel like working out today? Or maybe you can’t wait to break a sweat? Some days we’re simply more in the mood to exercise than others.
That’s why I recommend factoring in how you’re feeling when you decide what exercises you’ll do, and how hard you’ll do them, on any particular day. This doesn’t necessarily give you a free pass to skip physical activity altogether though. Rather, it means you should consider making adjustments to your workout -- the intensity and types of exercise -- based on your mood and health at the moment.
We all have days when we feel unmotivated or tired. But instead of hitting the couch when you can’t seem to get moving, change up your workout plans instead.
One solution is to lower the intensity of your workout. You don't always have to go for the burn to get a benefit.
Another approach is to boost your motivation by trying something new, such as a different exercise class or sport. You could also change your environment -- if you normally exercise inside, for instance, head outdoors for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Of course, music can help pump you up so try playing your favorite tunes. And calling a friend to work out may not only motivate you to get moving but the social aspect will likely lift your spirits as well.
As for those days when you’re feeling great and are raring to go, try kicking things up a notch.
You could increase the intensity of your cardio by adding intervals, taking a higher-level exercise class, hitting the hills or picking up the pace during your jog or bike ride.
During strength training, you could add more weight to your lifts or take shorter rests between sets so that you keep your heart rate up.
By taking mood into consideration when structuring workouts, I have found that clients who aren’t “in the mood to exercise” feel so much better when we modify their workouts rather than skipping them entirely. And by challenging clients more when they’re really up for it, they feel like world beaters when they finish.
It can work for you, too. Just listen to your body.
