Health and fitness aren’t optional — they’re essential, especially as we age. Exercise has been shown time and again to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, mental health struggles, and age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).
The irony? Just when it becomes most important, life often feels busier than ever. Careers demand longer hours, family life means we double as taxi drivers for our kids, and running a business or climbing the career ladder can make it feel like the working day never ends. At the very stage where our bodies need training the most, it can feel like there’s no time for it at all.
So how do we fit it in?
The answer: you make it a priority.
Make Training a Non-Negotiable
If training is always at the bottom of your to-do list, it won’t happen. Think about it — everyone needs to eat, so at some point someone has to shop and cook (a fairly high priority). Laundry eventually gets done, even if it waits a few days (not so high as long as there are clean clothes in the wardrobe). Training needs the same approach: it can’t be an afterthought, it has to be scheduled in as a non-negotiable.
For me, that means planning my week every Sunday. With two boys in school, I’ve got PE kits, Forest School days, swimming lessons, and after-school clubs to juggle (still praying the swimming nights fall on the same evening!). Add in appointments and work commitments, and it’s a lot to remember.
So I plan: which classes I’ll hit, which accessory sessions I can squeeze in, and exactly what time I need to leave the house to make it work. If I don’t make that choice ahead of time, the day slips away and before I know it, it’s 8pm and I’m done.
Does life still throw curveballs? Absolutely. A sick child can derail the best plan. But having that plan gives me a much better chance of making training happen than just “hoping for the best.” And honestly — I’m a calmer, more patient parent when I’ve trained. I show up better for my kids, my husband, and even my work because I’ve already given myself that time.
Everyone Has to Make Time
It’s not just me. Aaron is famous for his packed diary, but he blocks out time for his own training or heads in at 5am before we even open. Gabby sets her alarm for 4am, trains, coaches our 6am class (for fun!), and then heads to her full-time job.
We see the same commitment from parents in our gym who bring their children along so they can train. Babies stay in prams, older kids hang out upstairs — and those parents are setting an incredible example of health and consistency for their families and we are showing our kids what healthy habits look like.
Stop Waiting for “The Right Time”
So, if not now, when?
If your plan is always “next month” or “in January,” chances are it won’t happen. Life will always be busy. There will always be a reason to put it off.
If you’re younger and don’t have responsibilities yet, you’ll never have as much time and energy as you do now (I know it might not feel like it – it never does). And if you’re older, your health is more important than ever. The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is today.
I often remind myself: my kids don’t just need me around, they need me healthy, strong, and capable. Investing an hour into my training now means I’ll be able to keep up with them — and support them — for years to come. I also want to hang on to being faster and stronger than them for as long as possible!
We’ve Made It Easy for You
At CrossFit Structure, we’ve built our schedule to fit around real life. We run:
- 5 classes a day Monday–Thursday
- 4 on Fridays
- 2 on Saturdays
If those times don’t work, our coaches offer 1-1 personal training or small-group sessions to suit your schedule. Nutrition coaching can even be delivered remotely, so you don’t have to leave your home.
The truth is, it’s not about finding the perfect time — it’s about making the time. Block it out in your diary, treat it like a non-negotiable, and make it happen. And when you do, you won’t just feel fitter and stronger — you’ll show up better in every other part of your life too.
So I’ll leave you with the same question:
If not now, when?
If you are ready to start prioritising you, book your free no sweat intro here to get started at CrossFit Structure.
Don’t see an appointment time that works for you and your busy life? email us at [email protected], we will find the time.