What happens if you skip a workout

Ever wonder what happens if you miss a workout or two? Now, I'm not talking about planned rest days; those are part of the process, and we all need recovery time! But I am talking about the workouts you miss because your schedule gets crazy or you just "aren't in the mood." Normally, missing a couple of workouts isn't a huge deal. The problem is that it can get you into a cycle that can turn into a very big deal.

When you miss PLANNED workouts, it gets easier and easier to skip future workouts until you fall off the bandwagon altogether. And here's what happens:

1. Within the first week, you lose endurance, and your heart rate may be higher when you're active.
2. You might find yourself huffing and puffing when you do your next cardio workout, and it will take a few workouts to get your cardio fitness back.
3. Within the first couple of weeks, you will start to lose strength, and your muscles will start to shrink in size, which can lead to weight gain.
4. During the next few months, you can lose even MORE cardio endurance and strength, and you will notice your energy level dropping, too, which can lead to being even less active.
5. Over the long run, this can set you up for all the ailments and diseases that are linked with low activity levels, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and obesity.
6. Plus, it can affect your mood, your sleep, your mobility, and so much more!

So, what do you do instead of skipping workouts?

1. If you can't squeeze in your workout because something important came up, do some intentional movement anyway. Go for a walk, crank out some squats and push-ups, have a dance party in the kitchen, flow through some sun salutations, etc. Basically, get in some intentional movement, even if it's just for five to ten minutes.
2. If you don't feel well, listen to your body and take the rest you need.
3. But on days you don't "feel like it" – keep the promises you make to yourself. These are the days you probably need it the most. Just show up and go for a few minutes. You have to MOVE YOURSELF to get motivated because motivation doesn't always show up first.

This will not only help you build more self-confidence and belief in yourself (which is huge)... But it'll also protect you from that awful feeling that you're back to square one when you start working out again.

Just something to keep in mind!