Why Busy Women Struggle to Prioritise Workouts (and How to Make Time for It)

Why Time Isn’t the Real Issue

One of the most common things I hear from women is: “I just don’t have time.”

Time to work out. Time to eat better. Time to take care of themselves.

But here’s the truth: it’s not really about time. It’s about what you’ve been taught to prioritise. As women, we’re often taught to put everyone else first, kids, work, the household until, there’s nothing left for us.

This blog isn’t here to shame you. It’s here to help you shift the story. Because you can create time for your health, but it starts with changing how you value yourself.

The Truth: We Make Time for What Matters

We all have the same 24 hours. But if your calendar is full of commitments and none of them are for you, that’s not a time issue. That’s a boundary issue.

You scroll for 30 minutes? That’s a workout. You wait at your kid’s sport? That’s time to walk or train nearby. You wind down with Netflix? That’s time to meal prep for the next day.

I’ve coached mums running households, working full time, and caring for ageing parents. And every one of them has found a way not because life got easier, but because they made their health non-negotiable.

You don’t need more hours. You need a reason that matters to you.

Shift the Guilt: Prioritising Yourself Isn’t Selfish

If you constantly tell yourself, “I’ll start when life slows down,” you might be waiting forever.

Your body needs fuel. Your mind needs movement. Your energy needs attention.

And when you neglect those things? You get:

• Brain fog

• Mood swings

• Cravings

• Burnout

• weight gain

Taking 30 minutes, three times a week, is not selfish. It’s the bare minimum your body deserves.

When you show your kids, your team, your family that your health matters, you teach them that theirs matters too.

How to Start Making Time

Let’s make this practical. Start with these:

1. Anchor your workouts to existing routines.

   • While the kids are at sport

   • First thing before the house wakes

   • On your lunch break

2. Plan movement like an appointment.

   • Put it in your calendar.

   • Treat it like a meeting you can’t cancel.

3. Fuel your body consistently.

   • Skipping meals = energy crashes and cravings.

   • Prioritise protein and real food.

4. Protect your energy.

   • Less tech, more sleep.

   • Say no more often.

5. Remember your WHY.

   • Write it down.

   • Read it daily.

   • Let it guide your choices.

You Can Make It Happen

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to decide that your health matters enough to start.

If your health isn’t a priority now, one day it will be because your body will force you to pay attention.

But you don’t have to wait for burnout or illness to take action.

You can be strong, present, and energised now.

And if you need support? That’s exactly what I help women do every day inside my coaching.

Want support making a plan that fits your life? Explore my coaching program here. →

Learn More Here

Jenna x

Fat loss & Strength Coach