Getting motivated to work out is often half the battle, isn't it? Most of us have concocted a myriad of excuses over the years to get out of going to the gym. While copping out over and over eventually leads to a doomed workout regime, there may be times when skipping the gym could actually be the best decision for your body.

We asked Toronto-based exercise specialist and holistic nutritionist Mark Mancino if he ever skips his workouts.

You may be surprised by what he had to say:

A: Of course - anyone who says otherwise is either lying or obsessed. If my mind, body or even my spirit is telling me not to work out, I don't question it - I simply surrender to it and either modify my exercise plan for the day (i.e. perhaps doing some light yoga rather than a heavy strength workout), or I simply let it go completely. It's important that we give ourselves permission to do this - to listen to our bodies and respect its messages. Otherwise exercise can quickly become unhealthy and obsessive.

Where bailing on workouts becomes a problem is when we simply do not want to do it. If that's the case, we have to analyze whether the mode of activity we have chosen for ourselves is appropriate. For example, if you are fighting with yourself every time you have to go into the gym, perhaps gym-based workouts are not for you. Accept that and choose a mode of activity that brings you joy. Afterall, this is about overall wellness - health of the human trinity (mind, body and spirit). There is absolutely no reason you should have to sacrifice your spirit in your exercise program.

Q: What does your personal workout regime consist of?

A: This varies greatly depending on a multitude of factors - not the least of which is how my body feels. See, when we truly tune into the subtle (or sometimes not so subtle) messages our body is sending us; we can begin to taper our exercise routine around our most dominant needs. When we fail to do this, seemingly healthy lifestyle choices like exercise can quickly become deleterious to our well-being.

As such, my workout regime varies from lifting 4-5 times a week, intense cycling or mountain biking several times a week, as well as playing a variety of sports to restricting myself to a daily yoga practice and nature walking (which I am currently doing). For me it is all about using exercise as a tool to maintain balance. When the scales of life tip too far out of balance in one direction, I shift my workout focus to help bring about equilibrium. Of course, equilibrium or balance is a dynamic state of flux - as such my workout regimes vary regularly.

Readers, how often a week do you work out? Do you hate going to the gym? Ever experience guilt? Leave a comment, tell us what you think.