So, you’re having one of those days … you feel tired, low-energy, and you’re debating skipping the gym.
But you decide to go anyway.
Sometimes, that choice pays off with a great workout and a better mood. Other times, you just won’t have it. You might lift lighter, complete fewer rounds, or burn fewer calories than usual.
It’s easy to think, “I shouldn’t have come. That was pointless.” But most of the time when we feel like we “need rest,” it’s not because of the workout, it’s because of stress, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition.
I’m not saying to ignore real signals your body needs recovery. But if you’ve committed to training on certain days, show up, even if you’re not at 100%.
On high-energy days, go for a 10/10 effort. On lower-energy days, maybe you only have a 7/10 in the tank. Give 5 or 6 out of that 7. That’s still a step forward.
If you showed up on a day when it would’ve been easier to cancel, that’s a win. Those wins add up and they’re what keep you improving over time.
— James Pratt