10 Reasons Not to Skip Your Workout

Fitness is hard work. In a world where more and more people are living sedentary lives, and free-time is hard to come by, it's tempting to skip a workout now and again, citing exhaustion, mental well-being, or time constraints. Here are 10 compelling reasons NOT to skip that workout.

1) Dodging the Snowball - Skipping a workout can have a snowball effect. Missing one makes it easier to miss two, and after three or four, why not give up altogether? Momentum is critical to success in building healthy habits, don't lose it by skipping a workout when you don't have to.

2) Get an Energy Boost - Exercise is an instant wake-up call. It increases alertness, boosts energy, and keeps you on your toes. If you tend to crash in the afternoon, maybe you can get your workout during lunch and let the energy boost carry you through a productive afternoon.

3) Make Progress - Whether you're training for a marathon, building muscle, losing weight, or just trying to stay fit, sitting around will simply not get you there. Every workout is truly a measurable step toward your goal, so if you care about the goal, get in the scheduled workouts.

4) There's a Beer Waiting for you at the End - Even the healthiest among us love the occasional beer, slice of pizza, or chocolate mousse. Regular exercise puts you in a position to enjoy your vices without guilt, and makes that cold beer even tastier. Remember, though, a workout is not a free pass - use common sense.

5) Keep Up - Competition can be a healthy motivator. You have a friend, family member, or training partner who's making more progress than you are. Get in your workouts or they'll leave you in the dust.

6) Sweet Dreams - You may feel exhausted at the end of a long day, yet have trouble sleeping. Regular exercise helps to regulate your sleep cycles while your body looks after itself. Keep up the workouts and you'll be more likely to sleep through the night and get actual rest.