Asking advice: Should I go to the gym today?

[lyorn]

For: I feel like going, do my usual back exercises and the machine circle.
Against: I feel like I have ripped something on my rib muscles and also close to the surface in my lower belly. It hurts.
For: But it does not hurt when I do strength training. It causes no trouble with breathing.
Against: It hurts when jostled -- some stabby-ripping pain like pulling apart the edges of a cut. This will happen when I ride my bicycle to the gym. As I do not know where it came from, it might have been caused by strength training.
For: If I don't go today, it'll be Thursday before I have the time again.

Bottom line: I want to go to the gym but I do not want this ouchy thing to get worse -- ideally, it should away. Any suggestions on the best course of action?

ETA: Thank you all! I stayed home today and did some planks and back extensions to keep in the habit. Plan for next week: 1. Bicycle to work *very* carefully (avoid curbs and potholes), 2. In the gym, reduce the weights and work on form, 3. No running, 4. Get a mat for home exercises, because, hardwood floor...

Comments

[sophiap]

Agreed. Some sort of activity will probably help with the healing and will keep you from losing any progress/momentum. Maybe do a truncated version of your regular routine and lowball the weights?

[rydra_wong]

And obviously, don't do anything that causes even a slight twinge in the injured part.