How often have you thought, “I just don’t have time to work out”? It’s one of the most common reasons people give for skipping exercise. But here’s the thing: we all have the same 24 hours in a day.
It’s about how you choose to use them. In our latest podcast, we tackle this common excuse and provide practical strategies to help you make fitness a part of your life—no matter how busy you are.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways and tips from the episode to help you reclaim your time and prioritize your health.
Why Workouts Matter
Before we discuss finding time for workouts, it’s important to understand why they should be a priority. Exercise isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about your overall health and well-being.
- Physical Health: Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It also strengthens your bones and muscles, helping you maintain mobility and independence as you age.
- Mental Health: Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Even a short workout can leave you feeling energized and accomplished.
- Longevity: Studies show that consistent physical activity can increase your lifespan. It’s an investment in your future self.
As Lee put it on the podcast, “If you don’t make time for your health now, you’ll be forced to make time for illness later.”
Reframing Fitness as Self-Care
One of the biggest mindset shifts is realizing that working out isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care. Isis explained how fitness helps you show up better in every aspect of your life: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of others.”
When you prioritize fitness, you:
- Improve your energy levels, making you more productive.
- Set a positive example for your family and peers.
- Reduce the likelihood of burnout by managing stress effectively.
Instead of seeing workouts as something you have to do, reframe them as something you get to do. They’re a gift you give to yourself.
The Power of a Time Audit
A major takeaway from the podcast was the concept of a time audit, inspired by Bobby Maximus. Many of us feel busy but don’t realize how much time we waste on unproductive activities. A time audit helps you identify where your hours are going so you can reclaim time for what truly matters.
How to Perform a Time Audit:
- Track Everything: For one week, write down how you spend your time. Include work, commuting, social media, Netflix, and other activities.
- Identify Time-Wasters: Review your log and highlight areas where time is being wasted. For example, you might notice you spend two hours scrolling social media daily.
- Reallocate Your Time: Decide where you can cut back. Could you limit your screen time by an hour and use that time for a 30-minute workout?
Jarod shared, “Most people are shocked when they see how much time they lose to distractions. Reallocating even 20-30 minutes a day can make a huge difference.”
Practical Tips to Fit in Workouts
Once you’ve identified your time-wasters and reclaimed some time, here are some strategies to fit workouts into your schedule:
- Start Small: You don’t need an hour-long workout to see benefits. Even 10-20 minutes of focused movement can improve your health and fitness. Intervals or bodyweight circuits are great options.
- Schedule It: Treat your workout like any other appointment. Block it on your calendar and commit to showing up for yourself.
- Be Flexible: If your day doesn’t go as planned, adjust. Can’t make it to the gym? Do a quick workout at home. Missed your morning session? Fit it in during lunch or after work.
- Combine Activities: Multitask by incorporating movement into your daily routine. Take walking meetings, do squats while waiting for your coffee to brew, or stretch while watching TV.
- Join a Community: Having a supportive group, like enduraLAB, keeps you accountable and motivated. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people makes fitness more enjoyable.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Barrier #1: “I’m Too Tired.”
- Solution: Exercise boosts energy levels. Start small and notice how even a short session can make you feel more awake.
Barrier #2: “I Don’t Know Where to Start.”
- Solution: Begin with simple movements like walking, bodyweight exercises, or guided workouts. Seek help from a coach or trainer if you need guidance.
Barrier #3: “I Don’t Have Time.”
- Solution: Perform a time audit and prioritize movement. Remember, consistency over perfection is key.
Take the First Step
At the end of the day, finding time to work out isn’t about adding more hours to your day—it’s about re-prioritizing how you spend them. As Lee emphasized, “Your health is worth the effort. Small, consistent actions lead to big changes over time.”
If you’re ready to take control of your health, here’s your action plan:
- Perform a time audit to identify time-wasters.
- Reallocate even 20-30 minutes a day for physical activity.
- Start with small, manageable workouts and build from there.
- Join a supportive community like enduraLAB to stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
Making time for fitness is a choice, and it’s one that pays off in countless ways. By prioritizing your health and being intentional with your time, you can create a routine that supports your goals and enhances your life.
What steps will you take today to reclaim your time and prioritize your fitness?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us—we’d love to hear from you! And if you haven’t already, tune into our latest podcast episode for even more insights and strategies.
