Believe it or not, sometimes I just don’t feel like working out. I typically spend all day trying to motivate others to improve their lives through fitness, so when the gym clears out and it’s my turn, I can struggle to get inspired to do it myself. Today was one of those days. I was sore, I convinced myself there were too many other things I needed to do instead, and I was a few minutes away from throwing in the towel.
At that moment I stopped and asked myself what I would tell one of my athletes if they told me they didn’t feel like working out. The first thing that popped into my head was, “the only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” While that’s SO cheesy, and definitely in line with things I say every day, I also think it’s true!
As long as you’re not injured and your body isn’t begging for a rest day because of over-training, I feel that we can almost always be productive with our time in the gym. Scale back weight or reps! Focus on technique if the assigned percentages feel too heavy! Spend that hour stretching and mobilizing if you’re too wrecked!
But if you have the time to go to the gym, and it doesn’t get in the way of anything else…. Go! Go and be productive, have some fun, say hi to some friends, and realize that you’re likely better off for having gone.
Should you still go to the gym if motivation is low or if you’re sore? Most of the time, yes.
Yes, you should.
What do you think about that advice? Do you agree or not? Let’s talk!
Smashby's Training Blog 
AGREE! After completing a workout I had to talk myself into doing, I’ve never said “I wish I hadn’t done that.” Endorphins are a great thing!
Me too! Even if mid-workout I need to phone it in and slow down, at least I can say that I moved. Hope to catch up with you soon, friend!