Why “I don’t have time to workout” is totally valid

I had a coffee with a client for two hours. We had not seen each other since November, but remained in contact here and there. The theme of the two hours was:

It’s hard to juggle everything and you shouldn’t feel shame or guilt because you cannot workout right now—internally or from someone else.

Maybe you're working 10-12 hour days and commuting on top of that. Maybe you're driving kids to hockey, dance or swimming every night.

Maybe you're caring for aging parents. Maybe you're running a business.

Maybe you're emotionally exhausted from a break-up, job loss, grief or simply trying to hold everything together.

That's real life. And pretending everyone has the same 24 hours isn't helpful.

“If it’s important to you, you’ll make it happen—make yourself a priority.”

I agree with the sentiment. Our health needs to be a priority in our life. And I have realized the sentiments are just not that simple.

I have clients trying to manage all of it. Myself—trying to nurture friendships, show up for my common-law partner and run my fitness business can be a tough balance.

Also trying to make sure an aging family member gets to their medical apts, while you’re retaining their own medical conditions (for their benefit and yours), helping them with groceries, haircuts, prepping their food and paying their bills is a completely different layer.

So when someone tells me “time” is their biggest barrier to exercise… it’s not an excuse, it’s their reality.

And also, here's the part we don't talk about enough.

There's a difference between not having time and not having capacity.

And capacity is a real thing.

When your nervous system is fried, when you're stretched thin emotionally, when your calendar is stacked from 6am to 9pm.... adding a 1-hour workout can feel impossible.

That doesn't make you lazy, it makes you overloaded.

At the same time, if we zoom out, staying stuck in that cycle long-term has a cost.

Energy declines.

Confidence declines.

Your body starts to feel foreign.

The gym becomes more intimidating the longer you stay away.

So yes, not having time can be valid. And letting that belief run your life.... will work against you.

What I have learned over the years working with beginners and people returning to exercise is this:

If you want exercise in your current routine, make it work for you in your current life.

Sometimes that is walking/running, taking a class. Yoga or fitness classes at home. Home programs/online training… sometimes booking time with a Personal Trainer is what you need in your schedule to keep you consistent.

If 60 minutes feels impossible, what does 20 minutes look like?

If 5 day per week isn't realistic, what does 2 days look like?

Confidence isn't built in perfect conditions. It's built in small reps. Repeated.

Just don’t feel shame or like you don’t care, if you’re struggling to find time to “make yourself a priority”.

Also -- If you’re someone who is taking on the role of a Caregiver for a loved one… the very nuanced levels of love, gratitude, guilt, chaos and exhaustion you may feel, while trying to efficiently blend that into your own calendar needs/wants… I want to say you’re doing great.

So if you genuinely don't have time right now, I see you.

That doesn't make you undisciplined.

But... it also doesn't make you powerless.

You life might be full, but your health still matters inside of it.

We don't need perfect conditions, we just need the first rep.

Take care of yourself. However that looks today.