I want to exercise, but I don’t have the TIME! Oh, my goodness, we’ve heard this so many times! And today we’re talking about why you might not have time and some strategies you might use to help prioritise exercise. It's important to recognise that finding time for exercise is a personal choice and involves prioritising yourself.
There are a lot of different reasons why some women might say they don't have time to exercise and it's important to know your circumstances and priorities might fit into these categories or may be something entirely different. Here are some reasons:
Busy Schedule: Many women, like anyone else, may have demanding schedules due to work, family responsibilities, or other commitments, leaving limited time for additional activities such as exercise.
Family Responsibilities: Women often take on various roles within a family, including caregiving, which can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Balancing family responsibilities with personal time can be challenging.
Work Commitments: Demanding work schedules, long commutes, and workplace stress can make it difficult for some women to find time for regular exercise.
Lack of Support: Some women may not have a supportive environment or encouragement from those around them, making it harder to prioritize exercise.
Fatigue: Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to fatigue, leaving little energy for physical activity. Lack of sleep or high-stress levels can contribute to feelings of exhaustion.
Rather than saying I don’t have time, be specific about the reason. By pinpointing the specific challenges, you can tailor the solution to address those issues directly. Here are some ways to address specific challenges:
Get Support: Communicate your need for support from family, friends, or colleagues. Explore options for sharing responsibilities, such as childcare or household tasks.
Find Alternative Forms of Exercise: Look for activities that align with your interests and can be done in shorter time frames. Consider home workouts, online fitness classes, or outdoor activities that require minimal equipment.
Make Small Adjustments to Daily Routine: Identify pockets of time in your day for short bursts of exercise, like during breaks or before/after work. Incorporate physical activity into daily tasks, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable fitness goals that consider your current schedule and lifestyle. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to make progress more tangible.
Create a Personalised Plan: Assess your schedule and preferences to create a fitness plan that suits your individual needs. Schedule dedicated time for exercise in your calendar to prioritize it as you would any other commitment.
Ask yourself the question “how much time do I really need to exercise”? Reset your expectations and start with any time, because anything is better than nothing at all.