Working out is great for you – but there’s always risk of injury, even when you’re doing everything you can to prevent it. It’s no fun being sidelined, whether for a few days or as long as a few months. Here’s how to stay fit – physically and mentally – while you can’t go on training normally.

MODIFY YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE

Just because one part of your body is broken, sprained or otherwise doesn’t mean you can’t work out other parts of your body while that one heals. Granted, you’re probably still going to need some time off here and there – and in some cases, you won’t be able to get back to the gym as quickly as you might like to. If and when you can, though, try to still work different muscle groups, even if it means doing different kinds of physical activity than you might be used to. Something is better than nothing. If you can still stretch it, flex it or put weight on it – safely – it’s fair game. Just be careful – and if you don’t feel up to it,

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Whether you’re modifying your routine for the time being or have to stay off your feet for awhile, looking ahead to the future can do you some serious good. Use this opportunity to create or find a new workout plan for yourself. You might as well plan something new and exciting to start when you can finally get back to training again. Why not? If your previous routine worked fine, plan to switch up which days you do certain exercises just to shake things up. Having something to look forward to is great for your mental energy. Even on your roughest days, at least you know you’re heading for something new as soon as you’re physically ready for it.

STAY POSITIVE – AND TAKE YOUR TIME

Don’t just stay fit physically while you’re out of commission; stay fit mentally, too. It’s understandable that you might be upset about not getting to continue training as you have been. If you need some time to grieve, that’s totally normal. But don’t let it keep you down. Everything is going to work out fine in the end, no matter how unlikely it might seem now. And remember to take things slow. It’s OK to take time to heal. Don’t push yourself too hard. Stuff happens – use the time you have the best you can, and rest if you need to. Even if you don’t want to.

You’ll get back to training in no time. The good news is, if you’re totally bummed about having to slow down or sit things out completely, that means you have motivation to continue. Keep that motivation alive even if you can’t get back to the way things were right now. Save it for when it’s time to work your full body again – you’ll need it.

Source

http://greatist.com/move/stay-fit-positive-while-injured