Sometimes, you really just can’t bring yourself to get up, get dressed, and get yourself to the studio. Maybe you’re tired, maybe the weather’s awful and you don’t really want to deal with the possibility of getting stuck in floodwaters (it doesn’t take a lot for that to happen in the Philippines these days), or maybe it’s just one of those lazy days. But at the same time, you’re thinking, “Oh god, I’m wasting money by not going to the studio,” “I’m gonna lose my daily yoga streak,” “I haven’t attended this particular class scheduled for today and I shouldn’t miss this chance.”
Girl, chill. It feels like you’re undoing all your hard work, we get it, but the truth is, skipping one workout is not going to ruin your progress. In fact, sometimes your body (or mind) is telling you it needs a breather, and that’s okay.
But if you’re not sure whether you should rest or just push through, here are a few things you can try. Remember to bookmark this post; you might need to come back to it in the future when you won’t feel like working out again.
1. Check in with yourself.
Are you genuinely exhausted, or just not in the mood? There’s a difference between being burned out and just feeling lazy. If you’re truly wiped, give yourself permission to rest. If you’re just in a funk, maybe you need a smaller nudge.
2. Redefine “workout.”
We get it if yoga or Pilates is your go-to workout. But if you’re really not feeling up to going to the studio, then move your body in other ways: a quick walk in your neighborhood, dancing in your living room, or even a few stretches. Think of this as a way to prime and prep your body for the next time you’ll head off to class.
3. Bargain with yourself.
Tell yourself you’ll just do five minutes. Put on your workout clothes, start the warm-up, and see what happens. More often than not, five minutes turns into twenty, and you’ll be glad you started.
4. Switch things up.
Maybe it’s not that you don’t want to move—it’s that you’re bored with the same routine. For today, try a new workout or two, and you just might find something new to add to your routine and ultimately help improve your practice.
5. Be kind to yourself.
Remember, consistency is built over time, not in a single day. Missing one class doesn’t erase your progress, just like eating one salad doesn’t make you instantly healthy.
At the end of the day, the “right” choice depends on you. Sometimes the healthiest option is pushing through that mental block, and sometimes it’s giving yourself grace and rest. Either way, you’re still taking care of yourself—and that’s what really matters.
So, if you don’t feel like working out today, don’t beat yourself up. Rest if you need it, move a little if you can, and trust that tomorrow—or maybe even the day after that—you’ll be ready to try again.