This article comes from the MyRegence website:
There are lots of excuses for not working out, but sometimes there are good reasons to skip the gym.
Most of us fail to exercise enough, and know that we should always be on the lookout for ways to fit in more workouts. So it's unusual to hear a fitness expert tell you to sit one out, but there are actually some situations that warrant time on the bench.
Should I work out if I have a cold?
Yes and no. The severity of your cold should really dictate whether or not you work out. Sometimes exercise can help a bug move through your system; other times it can make things worse. If you can barely breathe because of congestion or you're so tired that lifting your head from the pillow feels like a monumental task, then of course you're better off staying home and getting extra rest. However, if you're only dealing with some mild congestion, you might do yourself good by heading to the gym or outdoors for a moderate-intensity workout. Things like walking, yoga, an easy jog, or light strength training are likely your best bets until you're feeling yourself again.
Should I work out if I haven't eaten?
The answer here is no. Your body needs fuel to move efficiently through a workout. Although you may be able to finish your fitness routine on an empty stomach, it's unlikely you'll complete it with much vigor. Instead of going hungry, opt for a light snack that has a combination of carbohydrates and protein. If that doesn't sit well with you, especially early in the morning, then at least try to drink a serving of fruit juice before you head out the door.
Should I work out if I've eaten a big meal?
Skip the high-intensity workout if you've just stuffed yourself. Chances are you'll feel sluggish during your workout, or even worse, you'll end up hunched over with a stomachache. But that doesn't mean you have to quit moving altogether. You'll actually aid digestion if you take a stroll around the block after a heavy meal instead of heading to the sofa for a nap.
Should I work out if I've had a beer or two?
It's best to skip the workout if you've been drinking. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow reaction time and decrease motor coordination and balance. That means you risk tweaking a muscle if you're strength training, or tripping over your feet if you're out for a jog. Alcohol is also dehydrating, so you risk major shifts in your performance ability after ingesting even one beer. When it comes to drinking, enjoy your beverages in moderation and try to fit in a workout before the drinking starts.
Should I work out if I have an injury?
Throw "no pain, no gain" out the window here. When you have an injury, it doesn't matter how severe it is, your body is signaling to you that something is out of balance and you need rest. It can be difficult to listen to this message, especially if you've been on a roll, but if you don't want to do more harm than good, you've got to chill out. What you can do is change your activity. Many people find that water workouts can do an enormous amount of good when an injury prevents other types of exercise. And if a lower-body injury is ailing you, opt for upper-body strength training until the pain in your lower extremity is gone (or vice-versa).
Should I work out if I'm sleep-deprived?
When you're sleep deprived, your reaction time, motor coordination, and balance will be affected in much the same way as if you had been drinking. Opt out of your regular gym workout if you haven't had enough shut-eye. But that doesn't mean you have to be sedentary if you have to be awake. Try adding small amounts of physical activity to your day by taking the stairs or walking around the block. The small amounts of physical activity can actually help to give you a little energy without the risk of injury.
In the case of serious injury or illness, be sure to talk to your doctor before resuming your workout routine. And remember, if you've got a question about exercise, you can always Ask the Trainer.
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