Our fitness expert, Ollie Thompson, has some advice you might be pleased to hear.
As the summer arrives, temperatures increase and holidays approach, many of us on a fitness journey face the dilemma of whether to maintain our regular workout routines or take a well-deserved short break. While consistency in fitness is often emphasised, there’s a compelling case for occasionally stepping away from your routine, and a week or two in the summer might be ideal.
Taking a brief hiatus can offer various benefits, ranging from physical recovery to mental rejuvenation. In this month’s column, I explore six key reasons why a temporary break from your fitness routine can enhance your overall wellbeing and provide fresh opportunities to stay active in different ways.
1 . Recovery and rest: If you’ve been consistent with your gym routine recently, taking a calculated break from your fitness routine allows your muscles the necessary time to recover and repair themselves, especially if you’ve been experiencing any minor niggles such as overuse issues. This recovery period ensures that you can return to your fitness routine stronger and more resilient.
2 . Mental rejuvenation: Consistently following a challenging fitness routine can sometimes lead to mental fatigue, a drop in motivation, and ultimately, burnout. Taking a short break can refresh your mind, reduce stress and renew your motivation for exercise. This mental rejuvenation can help you return to your routine with a more positive attitude and greater enthusiasm, which is essential for long-term adherence.
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3 . New activities: The summer months offer a variety of activities that can serve as enjoyable alternatives to your regular workout routine. Activities like outdoor swimming, hiking, cycling and tennis not only keep you active but also introduce different forms of physical exertion that can provide your body and mind with a new stimulus and challenge, which benefits your overall fitness. Moreover, many of these activities are excellent social activities with friends, family or local clubs.
4 . Family and social time: Summer often brings opportunities for family gatherings, holidays and social events. Taking a break from your fitness routine can free up time to participate in these activities, enhancing your relationships and overall happiness. Social interaction and quality time with loved ones are vital for emotional wellbeing and longevity, contributing to a balanced and fulfilling life.
5 . Heat avoidance: Temperatures of 25°-plus are relatively rare for us in the UK, and many of us are quite uncomfortable in the heat, making intense workouts very uncomfortable or even dangerous due to the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke if you’re not careful. Taking a break altogether from your workouts allows you to avoid exercising during peak heat times, thereby reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Instead, you can opt for lighter, cooler activities like early morning dog walks or an evening cycle.
6 . Boosting motivation: A short break from your regular fitness routine can reignite your motivation for exercise. After a period of rest, you may find yourself more eager to return to your workouts with renewed energy and enthusiasm. This boost in motivation can lead to more effective and enjoyable exercise sessions, helping you to achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.
Taking a short break from your fitness routine during the summer is not just about rest – it’s about enjoying life, finding balance and renewing your approach to health and wellness. By allowing your body to recover, you can return to your workouts more motivated and resilient. Embrace the season, stay active in diverse ways, and look forward to resuming your fitness routine with renewed energy and purpose.
There you have it: six ways taking a short break from your fitness routine can benefit you both mentally and physically. I hope you found this useful. For more details on this topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly for a chat.
Ollie specialises in helping career-focused professionals get into great shape, build long-term health and perform better in their work. Ollie works across Cambridge and London and offers both in-person and virtual personal training. Visit welltolead.com and follow Ollie on Instagram @olliethompsonhealth for more.