Run Your Day: Building Flexibility into Your Fitness Routine

From Early Mornings to Anytime

The Importance of Flexibility in Your Fitness Routine

I my recent post, “Rediscovering Your Fitness Passion”,  I highlighted several strategies to reignite your enthusiasm for exercise. One key recommendation was sticking to a routine, a common piece of advice in many top fitness guides. A consistent schedule can make integrating exercise into your daily life easier and turn it into a habit. However, as I discovered, there are significant downsides to an overly rigid routine that lacks flexibility in fitting exercise into daily life.

The Downside of a Rigid Routine

For years, my day started at 4:50 AM to prepare for my 5:30 AM run or Cross-Fit class. This strict schedule allowed me to complete my workout and be home just as my kids were waking up, ready to get them breakfast and prepare for school. While this routine worked well most of the time, it left no room for flexibility. If I missed my early morning workout, I found it mentally impossible to fit exercise into the rest of my day.

This all-or-nothing mindset resulted in decreased fitness and hindered my ability to achieve my goals, highlighting the need for flexibility in my approach.

Whether due to a poor night’s sleep or an unexpected event, missing my designated workout time often led to skipping exercise altogether for the day. This all-or-nothing mindset resulted in decreased fitness and hindered my ability to achieve my goals. The disappointment of not meeting my targets made it increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy and enjoyable fitness routine.

The Rigidity Trap

Why Flexibility Matters in Your Routine:

• Missed Workouts and Guilt: 

  When life inevitably throws a curve-ball and you miss your scheduled workout, it can lead to feelings of guilt and frustration. This negative cycle can diminish your motivation and enjoyment of exercise.

• Inflexibility to Life Changes: 

  Whether it's a change in work schedule or family commitments, a strict routine can make it difficult to adapt. This lack of flexibility can result in long gaps in your fitness regimen, which can be disheartening.

• Mental and Emotional Stress: 

  The pressure to stick to a rigid schedule can add mental and emotional stress. Instead of being a source of joy and relaxation, exercise can become another stressful obligation.

A New Perspective After Injury

An injury forced me to take a long break from my rigid routine. During this time, I experienced the luxury and pleasure of sleeping in, which led to a mindset change. I realized that while my strict schedule was sustainable, I wanted a more flexible mindset that would allow me to fit exercise into my day without the added pressure of a fixed time slot.

Returning to fitness after my injury, I embraced a more adaptable approach. Instead of being confined to early morning workouts, I allowed myself to exercise at different times throughout the day. This shift in mindset has been incredibly liberating and has significantly improved my overall well-being.

Finding Flexibility in Your Fitness Routine

Being open to different workout times has brought numerous benefits and reinforced the importance of flexibility in my fitness routine:

• Lunchtime Runs:

   I discovered that running during my lunch break is invigorating and helps me avoid the afternoon slump. It provides a much-needed break in the middle of the day and boosts my energy levels for the afternoon.

• Evening Runs: 

  Running in the late afternoon or early evening, especially during the summer, is delightful. The cooler temperatures, setting sun, and shaded paths make evening runs a pleasant experience compared to the morning heat.

Embracing a Flexible Fitness Routine

Adopting a flexible approach to fitness has several advantages:

• Reduced Stress: 

  With a flexible routine, there’s no pressure to adhere to a specific time. This reduces stress and makes exercise more enjoyable.

• Increased Enjoyment: 

  Varying workout times can add excitement and novelty to your routine. Different times of day offer unique experiences, such as cooler evening runs or invigorating midday workouts.

• Better Adaptation: A flexible approach allows you to adapt to changes in your schedule, ensuring that you can fit in exercise regardless of what life throws your way.

Balancing Workouts with Your Lifestyle

This new flexible approach has positively impacted my overall well-being. I no longer stress about missing my early morning workout because I know I can fit in exercise at other times. However, I still avoid evening Cross-Fit classes, as they tend to keep me awake all night. Finding the right balance that works for you is essential.

Tips for Implementing a Flexible Fitness Routine

Here are some practical tips to help you incorporate flexibility into your fitness routine:

• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel and adjust your workout times accordingly. If you're tired in the morning, try exercising later in the day.

• Explore Different Times: Experiment with working out at various times of the day to see what feels best. You might find that you enjoy evening runs or lunchtime workouts more than early morning sessions.

• Stay Consistent: While the timing of your workouts can vary, strive to maintain consistency in your exercise frequency. Regular exercise, regardless of the time, is key to achieving your fitness goals.

• Balance Your Routine: Ensure that your flexible routine fits with your personal and professional life. Adapt your schedule to accommodate your responsibilities and commitments without sacrificing your fitness.

  
  

A flexible fitness routine can reduce stress, increase enjoyment, and help you adapt to life’s inevitable changes. By experimenting with different workout times, you can find what works best for you and make exercise a more sustainable and enjoyable part of your daily routine.

I encourage you to try out this flexible approach and see how it benefits your fitness journey. Share your experiences and tips in the comments section—I’d love to hear how you’re making flexibility work for you!