The gym is a great place to stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it’s just not practical or even possible to make it there.

Life can get in the way with work, family obligations, or just plain exhaustion, and that’s OK. In fact, there are situations where it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break from the gym and focus on other ways to stay active and healthy.

When You’re Sick

When you’re feeling under the weather, the best thing you can do for your body is rest. Heading to the gym and pushing yourself while you’re sick can actually do more harm than good.

Your body is working hard to fight off a virus or infection, so there’s no need to add extra stress by hitting the gym. Instead, take some time to recuperate and focus on getting better.

When You’re Injured

If you’re dealing with an injury, it’s important to give your body time to heal. Forcing yourself to work out can delay the healing process and potentially cause more damage.

Speak with a doctor or physical therapist to find out which exercises are safe to do while you’re recovering. In the meantime, focus on low impact activities like walking or swimming that won’t aggravate your injury.

When You’re Traveling

Traveling can throw off your regular gym routine, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip your workout altogether. Look for ways to stay active while you’re on the go, like taking a hike or exploring a new city by foot.

Many hotels also have fitness centers or offer exercise equipment in guest rooms, so take advantage of those amenities if they’re available.

When You’re Short on Time

Sometimes it’s just not possible to carve out an hour or more for a gym session. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get in some physical activity.

Look for opportunities to fit in a quick workout throughout the day, like taking a brisk walk during your lunch break or doing bodyweight exercises at home before or after work.

When You’re Burnt Out

It’s easy to get burnt out on working out, especially if you’ve been hitting the gym consistently for a long period of time. Taking a break can help you recharge and come back stronger.

Use the time away from the gym to try a new hobby or activity that will get you moving, like dancing or hiking.

When You’re Pregnant

While exercise is generally safe during pregnancy, there are certain exercises that should be avoided or modified. It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine and get their approval.

During pregnancy, your body is going through a lot of changes, so it’s important to listen to what it’s telling you.

When You’re Focusing on Other Goals

If you’re training for a race or competition, the gym may not be the best place to focus your efforts. Instead, focus on exercises that will help you reach your specific goal.

For example, if you’re training for a marathon, focus on running outdoors and doing strength exercises that will help improve your running form.

When You’re Experiencing Mental Exhaustion

Exercise is great for the mind and body, but it’s important to recognize when your mental health is taking a toll. If you find that you’re feeling mentally exhausted and drained, taking a break from the gym might be the best thing for you.

Use the time away to practice mindfulness, meditation, or other self-care activities to help improve your mental well-being.

When You’re Spending Time with Family

Spending time with family is important, and sometimes that means skipping a workout. Instead of forcing yourself to go to the gym, look for ways to stay active as a family.

Go for a hike, play a game of basketball, or take a walk around the neighborhood together.

When You’re Just Not Feeling It

Sometimes, you’re just not in the mood to work out, and that’s OK. Forcing yourself to go to the gym when you’re not feeling it can lead to a lackluster workout that’s not very beneficial.

Instead, focus on doing something you enjoy that will still get you moving, like going for a bike ride or taking a yoga class.