I think I need to vent and a little encouragement. Saturday I did an African Dancing class...the first time I've done such an intense cardio workout in forever. It was amazing and so challenging and I kept up! But at the end, after the adrenaline wore off, I realized I had scraped all the skin off one pinkie toe and had a cut on the bottom of the other. Fast forward to today and I am having to limp as my macerated toe won't permit me to walk normally.

I am worried bc I have become rather 'addicted' to my workouts. They keep my mood elevated and act as a natural antidepressant. Especially I long work days like today and gloomy weather, I feel I need it. So how do I cope? Take a few days off and let it heal or go ride the stationary bike or something? I hate that I am dependent on exercise for maintaining a positive outlook but I am.

Thanks for any support. I realize this isn't a big deal, but I have a tendency to slip back into old habits (food, watching too much tv) when I don't get enough exercise.

Yeah, depending on how bad the injury is, you may want to rest it and heal for a week or so. If you do, try to engage or take on those feelings of how much you miss it as to not disconnect with the exercise and the great vibes it gives you. Maybe that way when you are healed and ready to get back to it, hopefully you'll really be itching to dive back into the dancing with great anticipation. The "absence makes the heart grow fonder" approach.

Thanks aroundhky. I appreciate that perspective... Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all.

I know you work out a lot. Ever struggle with an injury or setback that prevented you from working out? How much muscle and endurance you think I'll lose if take a week off?