Sometimes it's okay to not be feeling it.

Wait. What? But what about the new year and resolutions and a clean slate and that extra holiday weight and all those goals you have this coming year?

Don't worry! It's not forever.

There's no point in pushing yourself when you're tired or sick or just, well, uninspired. Working out should feel fun and rewarding. It should never feel like a punishment because then it's just not sustainable. So if you've been feeling sluggish with your workout routine or you just haven't been enjoying yourself, here are some suggestions for what you can do instead.

1. Pamper yourself.

Take a bath or a nap (yes, please!) instead of going to the gym or going for a run. Your body is tired. Recovery is a necessary part of any workout regimen. My favorite thing to do after a long running season: get a pedicure. Bliss Salon in Annapolis has a pedicure specifically designed for runners and other athletes. It targets your callouses and moisturizes those heels. Take care of those feet! You need 'em!

2. Switch it up.

Does the thought of completely going inert make your skin crawl? It's okay: mine, too. The answer: light cross training. Do something different with your body. Hop on a stationary bike (or a real one -- Quiet Waters Park is great for biking) and go for a leisurely ride. Stop by Blue Lotus Yoga Studio for their Yoga for Athletes class. Zumba is great, too. It doesn't even feel like working out -- it just feels fun, free, and a little silly. Highly recommend!

3. Float!

Float Annapolis offers sessions of various lengths in their float tanks -- water that is chock-full of Epsom salts! Epsom salt is known for its ability to ease joint and muscle soreness. Perfect for a tired body! There's so much salt in the water that you float as though gravity doesn't exist. Who doesn't want to feel weightless from time to time (especially after the holidays)? The darkness of each tank allows for complete mental relaxation, too. Sometimes it's our brain holding us back from our goals, and all we need is a little mental recharge.

It's important to remember that if you're just feeling depressed, maybe you should push yourself to work out. Exercise releases endorphins and can really help combat seasonal affective disorder. Do what feels right for you. You should never feel guilty about a little self-care.

How do you recharge when you're feeling low? Let us know in the comments below!

The Run-Around is a weekly feature, focusing on fitness in and around Annapolis, MD.

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