As we get older, regardless of our background or identity, the demands on our time seem to multiply. Between our careers, relationships, and personal responsibilities, finding the energy and motivation to prioritize our health can feel like an impossible task. But what if we stopped trying to find the time and started making it?
This is my story about what I did. I was a chef-owner of a bustling brunch bistro, a demanding job with long hours that left little room for anything else. When I decided to focus on my fitness, I could only commit to two one-hour sessions at the gym on my days off. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
At first, it was a challenge. Waking up early on a day off was not an issue, as I have a dog and the morning walks are my responsibility. But after working 14-hour shifts, you bet I wanted to curl up in bed again instead of doing leg curls on a machine in the gym. To say it felt like a chore would be an understatement. But then, something started to shift. The post-workout high, the rush of endorphins, became a feeling I started to crave. And when I started to notice small changes in the body, a little more definition here, a little less fat there. Oh, boy, did I not wanted more. Those changes, coupled with the incredible feeling of accomplishment after each workout, became a powerful motivator.
I found that the joy of movement and the visible results were so rewarding that I began to actively look for ways to create more opportunities for fitness in my schedule. I added a third gym day, in the morning before opening the bistro. That meant that I would have less prep hours for that day. This meant that I would stay one hour more the evening before to get ahead with the morning duties. I started “making time” for the gym, not just “finding” it. This subtle shift in mindset was a game-changer. Because fitness wasn’t just another task to check off on a to-do list; it was an investment in myself, my well-being, and my future.
Like many people do, I was also thinking that it is ‘all or nothing’ game, but starting small gave me the power to build momentum, create and maintain speed. And it’s not just about feeling good and looking better. The benefits of exercise are more than skin deep. It’s a form of self-care that grounds you. The artist Troye Sivan put it perfectly: “Exercise is a way for me to clear my mind, focus on my body, and feel more grounded.”
D-r. Wendy Suzuki, a renowned neuroscientist, has dedicated her research to understanding the profound effects of physical activity on the brain. Her work has shown that exercise can improve mood, sharpen focus, and even enhance our ability to react to situations. A single workout can increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, leaving you feeling happier and more energized. Over time, regular exercise can even lead to the growth of new brain cells, particularly in the areas responsible for memory and focus.
So now, three years later, I am not only faster, stronger and looking incredibly good, but smarter, wittier and more fun to be around. And the best part of that journey was that nobody could tell the difference, because I was still wearing those baggy pants, chefs jacket and the apron. Kind of my little secret, kept only for the closest at heart.
Now read that again if you keep telling yourself that you are too busy. Reframe that conversation with your inner self, mate. Go for a walk and enter the gym for just one session. Pay attention to how you feel afterward. Let the endorphins and the bulging results pay for your membership. Because this in the investment in a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant you. Make the time. You’re worth it.
Do not try to find the time, book a call and we will make the time. Together. I will show you, teach you, guide you. You will not be alone at any point of the journey.
