We all have bad days. Days when we are definitely not in the best mood. Days when you're still in bed at ten, and work began at eight, you burned your breakfast, so far, things are going great. (Who else misses Friends?) Days when you can't seem to focus because there's just too much on your mind. Days when there's just a black cloud following you around.
On the flip side, we also have days when things are going great and there's so much to look forward to and we just can't sit still.
On the flip side, we also have days when things are going great and there's so much to look forward to and we just can't sit still.
Either one of these situations can totally throw your workout plans for a loop. But, they don't have to. In fact, they can actually help you get a really good workout. The key is to work with your mood, and not against it. Here are some of my favorite workouts for any mood:
- Mad, aggravated, or just feel like you need to hit something? Take a boxing or kickboxing class (or just hit the heavy bag in your gym a few times). Go to the batting cages or driving range. These will all give you the satisfaction of physically getting some aggression out without actually hurting someone or getting arrested.
- Need time to think? Ditch the headphones and go for a long run, walk, or bike ride. Yea, I know, going without headphones is scary. What will you do if you can't listen to your music? I find it so much easier to think when I'm not listening to music - the lyrics and rhythms distract me too much. The dull din of everyday life going on around me is the perfect ambient background for my thoughts. And, getting moving helps to really kick my mind into high gear.
- Stressed out? The standard answer to this would be "take a yoga class", which can definitely be helpful. But, I've also found that sometimes hiking or going for a walk or run on a scenic route does an even better job helping me to de-stress. Going for a swim would also be a good idea (if its at all feasible), as it forces you to really focus on what you're doing and be in-tune with your body.
- Need to get out pent up energy or frustration? Lift. Lift something that's on the heavy side for you. It will make you look and feel like a badass. And, in my experience, nothing gets out frustration like lifting until your arms feel like jello.
- Need energy or motivation? Try a workout that starts out slow and gradually amps up. A Flywheel or spinning class is a great option. Or, mix up your treadmill or elliptical workout by increasing the speed or incline slightly every two minutes until you're working at a pace and incline that feels difficult for you. Then, back off for a few minutes, before upping the difficulty again. Constantly changing it up will keep you engaged and energized.
- Anxious about something? Take a long walk outside and get some deep breaths of fresh air (or, you know, city air). The breathing and movement will help to calm your mind and body.
- Need a self-confidence boost? Do a workout that you know you can totally rock. Or one that targets your favorite body part. Are you a master yogi? Then take your favorite yoga class. Does basketball come naturally to you? Find a pickup game. Are people envious of your shoulders? Hit those hard in your workout.
- Excited about something? Put that excitement to good use and try a high-energy class like Zumba or Latin dance. This would also be a good time to try out those P90X, Insanity, of TurboFire videos.
- Tired? Do something easy. A walk, a few sun salutations, or a nice stretching session. At least you'll be moving, and, more often than not, once you get going a bit, you'll find that your energy increases and you'll want to do more.
Tell me, what workout do you do if you're in a bad mood? What about if you're in a great mood?
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