To not feel guilty about going to the gym

[BG2015]

I'm a big gym goer! I go at least three times a week, either classes or treadmill/ cross trainer/free weights. It's part of my life now and I've been a member of my gym for 3 years. Most of the time I love it and it's kept my weight stable, kept me sane and I've made new friends through it!

But why do I feel so guilty when I don't go?

I work full time (teacher in Reception) and today I don't feel well, headachey and sore throat - nothing major but not up to an hour at the gym.

Sitting here feeling so bad for not going. Any other gym MNetters feel the same?

[dementedpixie]

I feel the same when I don't go. I do 6 classes a week and they are part of my routine so feel really bad if I don't make it to them. School holidays get in the way too!

[DavetheCat2001]

I can feel bad if I don't go for a run when I have planned one and have no excuse other than I can't be arsed.

Don't feel bad if you are feeling poorly though. I'm a firm believer that your body tells you if it needs a rest from exercise, and often pushing yourself just means you feel worse (and won't enjoy your session).

[MartinaJ]

If you are coming down with something and go to the gym, you will probably make it worse and last longer. I wouldn't go.

[LisaMumsnet]

You really shouldn't feel guilty at all! Rest and recovery are just as important to fitness gains as the actual training. If you stress your already ill body by going to the gym it'll take longer for you to get better so just enjoy the break from the routine and you'll find you'll love returning to the gym when you're ready to get back there. Get better soon!

[lorelei9here]

I'm someone who has to gym for sanity
When I was severely ill for months, I was more sad about missing gym than anything,

But if you have even a little bug you need a rest. Sorry.

[KittyandTeal]

Yep, not a gym goer any more but a runner. I feel really guilty when I miss a run.

I'm glad it's not just me!

[EssexGurl]

This was me last week. I need to go not so much for weight management but to help my problem joints. I had a bug and missed my beloved Pilates. Felt rotten at missing it but woozy when I got out of bed. But agree rest is important. Back today though!

[BG2015]

Glad I'm not the only one that feels guilty.

[BigChocFrenzy]

Have an early night instead, to help your body repair itself

[enchantedfairytale]

I'm the same, have hurt myself quite badly a few months ago but STILL get gym-guilt!

[WhenTheDragonsCame]

I need a bit of this gym guilt! I have a membership and never go

Get well soon BG2015

[lorelei9here]

OP I just remembered
I went to Body Attack once when I was feeling under the weather
I enjoyed it but as soon as I got in the shower I was struck by fever and convulsive coughing....(I'm asthmatic). Don't risk it. If you have to be active, gentle stretching or yoga.

[curren]

I don't feel guilty if I don't train.

I do feel bad. It lifts my moods and works out tension.

So if I have missed for a bit I end up feeling low and agitated.

Definitely not guilt though.

[CakeNinja]

I'm supposed to be spinning tonight! Right now in fact.
But the class was full, I have exercised this morning but I tend to stick to my routine.
However, I'm not feeling guilty, it's the first Monday night this year I think I've missed, I'm having a hot hot bath and an early night

Although I'm now feeling a bit bad that I should have the gym guilt and I haven't got it

[VestalVirgin]

I only feel a bit guilty because the money I paid is wasted when I don't go. Other than that, no.

I do think that the feeling of guilt you have has something to do with the guilt we are encouraged by the media to feel when we are not doing everything to be slim and sexy.

If you don't feel well, don't go to the gym. Always remember that the reason you go to the gym should be your health - and your body needs rest right now, so staying at home is the best you can do for your health.

[Birdsgottafly]

I was a daily gym goer and did free weights, I'm seriously ill at the moment and can't go.

There were odd days that I couldn't go, so I read about rest days, men's weight training sites are the best ones to go on for information.

It helps you realise that everything you've trained for, isn't going to be undone by having a couple of days off.

Admittedly, I bought weights to use at home and did positions that would work for back and underbra fat/muscles, which I didn't want to do, at the gym. They're different because it's lots of sets of reps, broken up, using light (5lb) weights.

[TheNaze73]

Get what you are saying totally. The endorphin rush after a high impact class is amazing. I feel guilty when I don't go as well

[carabos]

I'm a daily gym goer and I feel bad if I don't go. My trainer reckons the way to deal with it is to schedule a rest week every six weeks - active rest, don't slob, but don't do anything more demanding than walking for a week. That way you get the break your body needs and you see it as a proper part of your programme. Rest is really important, you can't enhance your fitness without it.