Why Workout Plans Fail Women Over 40 (And What Works Instead)

Last Thursday, I showed up to do my workout. My plan said strength training. My body said: please, anything but that. I was. Exhausted.

I had a choice: Follow the plan and push through, or listen and adjust.

I walked instead: 30 minutes, easy pace. And instead of spiraling into “this doesn’t count,” I reminded myself: I’m still here. I’m still moving.

That choice is what I want to talk about today.

You’ve been there too.

It’s Wednesday. You meant to work out Monday. Skipped Tuesday because you had too much to do. Now the negotiation starts: Maybe tomorrow. Or, I’ll start fresh next week.

And underneath it all: A heaviness.

Last week I talked about simplifying your decisions, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by so many choices.

But here’s the next piece:

Self trust.

Most of us get stuck because we think we need better plans.

But you’ve tried the plans. Maybe they even worked… for a while.

Until life showed up with a sleepless night, a busy week, or your body asking for something different.

And you’re left wondering: Is it me? Am I not disciplined enough? Am I doing something wrong?

It’s not you. And it’s not the plan. 

You need enough self-trust to adjust.

The ability to listen to your body and adjust without spiraling. To make a different choice on a hard day and not feel like you’ve failed. To know that showing up imperfectly still counts.

Without it, every deviation feels like failure. Every adjustment feels like weakness and you’re back at square one, questioning everything.

(This is exactly why I built The Movement the way I did. Every workout, Soul Stroll, and mantra helps you practice tuning in, adjusting, and staying in relationship with your body.)

Here’s a question I invite you to ask yourself:

Instead of, “Am I following the plan?”

Try asking, “Am I staying in a relationship with my body?”

Because sustainable movement requires a relationship. One where you listen, tune in to what you need in the moment, adjust, and continue without quitting on yourself.

Some days that look like the workout you planned. Some days it’s walking instead, or resting and trusting you’re not losing progress—you’re honoring what your body needs.

That’s not lack of discipline. That’s self-trust.

Self-trust builds confidence. Confidence builds consistency. And that’s when you start feeling more vibrant and energetic—no matter what age you’re at.

The experts can give you the plan. But only you can stay in relationship with your body.

And that’s exactly what I’m here to help you practice.

With love,
Erin

P.S. I’m sharing my 10-minute Good Things Are Happening walking workout again—this is one of the ways we practice self-trust inside The Movement. It’s not about intensity or perfection. It’s about staying in relationship with your body while you move. You can do it in your living room when the weather’s terrible, when you’re low on time, or when you just need to reset your day.