In the pre-summer OMG-I-have-to-get-
this-into-a-bikini panic, gyms and fitness centres are packed with people eager to shed the results of a long, lazy winter. And while embarking on an exercise regime is almost always a good thing, in our enthusiasm to look like Candice like,
yesterday, sometimes good judgement goes out of the window. When it comes to working out you need to listen to your body, and always apply a big, fat dose of common sense. Here's when you're officially better off on the couch.
| When You're Sick |
No matter what you heard some overenthusiastic fitness instructor once say, working out when you're sick is always a bad idea. 'When you're ill your immune system is working hard to make you well again,' says fitness and yoga instructor, Nicola Meldrum. 'Instead of expending extra energy on exercising, use this time to rest and let your immune system do its job. Even if it's just a cold you're nursing, working out puts strain on your heart. There is a reason why, when you're ill, all you want to do is snuggle up under your duvet and sleep - your body is telling you that it needs to conserve energy.' Worried about deviating from your exercise regime? Working out when you're sick will prolong your illness and cost you even more gym time. |
| If You Have an Injury |
| When You're Hungover |
| If You're Feeling Mentally Exhausted |
| When You Haven't Fully Recuperated |