In the pursuit of fitness goals, we often seek advice from various sources—coaches, trainers, friends, and even social media influencers. But amidst the sea of tips and tricks, there’s one piece of advice that stands out above the rest for me: “Make your plan flexible and listen to your body.” It’s a simple yet profound principle that can make all the difference in your fitness journey.
Picture this: you’ve meticulously crafted a workout plan, complete with specific runs, durations, and paces. You’re determined to stick to it religiously, convinced that this is the key to success. But as the days go by, life throws curveballs your way—a hectic work schedule, unexpected commitments, or even fatigue and soreness from previous workouts. Suddenly, sticking to your rigid plan becomes a struggle, and frustration sets in.
This is where the importance of flexibility comes into play. The best laid plans don’t always go the right way, and that’s okay. It’s not what happens that matters, but how you deal with it. Instead of viewing deviations from your plan as failures, see them as opportunities to adapt and grow. Flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning your goals altogether; rather, it’s about being open to adjustments and finding alternative paths to success.
Listening to your body is another crucial aspect of this equation. Your body is incredibly intelligent, constantly sending you signals about how it feels and what it needs. Ignoring these signals can lead to burnout, injury, or stagnation in your progress. If you’re feeling tired, sore, or run down, it’s important to give yourself permission to rest and recover. Pushing through pain or fatigue may seem noble in the moment, but it can have detrimental long-term effects on your health and performance.
On the flip side, tuning into your body’s cues can help you optimise your workouts and prevent overtraining. Pay attention to how different exercises feel, and adjust your intensity or technique accordingly. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to modify it or skip it altogether. Trusting your body’s wisdom is key to maintaining a sustainable fitness routine and achieving lasting results.
Now, let’s circle back to the original question: the best fitness advice I’ve ever received, and whether or not I listened. For many of us, this advice falls into the category of common sense—we’ve heard it before, perhaps even nodded in agreement, but struggled to fully implement it in our own lives.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been guilty of this myself. As someone who thrives on structure and routine, I’ve often fallen into the trap of rigidly following a predetermined plan, even when my body was begging for a break. It took me years to realise that true progress isn’t measured by how closely you adhere to a plan but by how well you can adapt and listen to your body along the way.
In recent years, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritise flexibility and intuitive movement in my running journey. I’ve learned to embrace rest days as opportunities for rejuvenation rather than signs of weakness. I’ve become more attuned to my body’s signals, adjusting my workouts accordingly to ensure that I’m training smart, not just hard.
And you know what? It’s made all the difference. I’ve seen improvements in my strength, endurance, and overall well-being. But perhaps more importantly, I’ve found a newfound sense of balance and joy in my approach to running. Instead of viewing it as a chore or obligation, I see it as a privilege—a chance to challenge myself, learn and grow, and connect with my body in meaningful ways.
So, if there’s one piece of fitness advice I can offer to anyone embarking on their own journey, it’s this: have a plan, but be willing to adapt. Listen to your body, trust its wisdom, and remember that progress is not always linear. It’s not about striving for perfection but about embracing the process and honoring the journey, wherever it may lead.
Thanks For Reading
James @physiorun