We’ve all been there. Life throws its curveballs – work deadlines pile up, the kids need chauffeuring to their next activity, or maybe you’re just trying to juggle it all while staying sane. Suddenly, the idea of carving out an hour for a workout feels impossible. But staying consistent with your fitness is what will help you not only survive these busy times but thrive through them.
We’re here to talk about how you can keep showing up for yourself – especially when life feels overwhelming. If you take anything away from this blog take away this: It’s not about being perfect – it’s about finding a way to make it work consistently whilst being kind to yourself.
3, 2, 1 – Let’s get into it!
Why Staying Consistent Matters
First, let’s remind ourselves why consistency is important. It’s not just about physical results (although those are great, too). Exercise helps you manage stress, sleep better, and feel more capable of handling whatever life throws your way. When everything else feels out of control, sticking to your fitness routine can be that one thing grounding you.
When I first moved to Perth, I was working 12–15 hour days, 7 days a week. What got me through it was training in the morning. It made me strong, physically and mentally ,and being surrounded by an incredible community of like-minded people was the icing on the cake.
Rest days are important. They’re what allow your body to grow and recover. But from a mental standpoint, on the days I chose to sleep in an hour later, I found it so much harder to wake up mentally. I’d feel slower, less prepared, and it took so much longer to feel physically ready for the day ahead.
I’m not saying don’t rest – rest is essential! What I’m saying is, training shouldn’t drain you of energy. It fuels you, it sustains you, and it makes you capable of anything.
Hitting the Pause Button vs. Adjusting Your Routine
When things get hectic, it’s tempting to hit pause completely. But here’s the thing: pausing often makes it harder to start again. Instead of stopping altogether, adjust your expectations. Can’t make it to your usual hour-long session? 20 minutes at home or a brisk walk can still make a difference. Showing up, even in small ways, keeps the habit alive.
Tips to Keep Showing Up
Here are some tried-and-tested strategies to help you prioritise fitness, even when life gets chaotic:
1. Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments
Put your workouts in your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable! This is my favourite one! Just like a work meeting or a doctor’s appointment. Having a set time makes it more likely you’ll stick to it. If mornings work best, lay out your gear the night before. If evenings suit you better, block that time off and let your family or coworkers know you’re unavailable. Or better yet, just switch your phone off! YES YOU!
2. Focus on What You Can Do
When you’re short on time or energy, it’s easy to get stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset. But fitness doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If you can’t make it to class, try:
- A 10-minute bodyweight workout at home
- A quick walk during your lunch break
- Stretching or mobility work while watching TV
The key is to remind yourself that something is always better than nothing. That’s keeping the habit alive!
3. Find an Accountability Buddy
Sometimes, knowing someone is expecting you to show up is all the motivation you need. This could be a workout buddy, a coach, or even checking in with a friend who’s also working on their fitness. Having that extra layer of accountability can make a huge difference. Don’t have any friends who support this? Come try a group class with us! We have 150 friends waiting for you! Schedule a free consult with us HERE!
4. Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself
Life happens. You might miss a workout, or your energy levels might not be what you hoped for.
That’s okay.
Progress isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up more often than not. Give yourself grace and focus on the next opportunity to move. You won’t lose your progress, we promise!
5. Reframe Your “Why”
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, reconnect with why you started in the first place. Maybe it’s to feel stronger, manage stress, or set an example for your kids. Keep that reason front and center to help you push through the tough days.
Practical Tricks to Stay on Track
Here are a few more hacks to help you stick to your routine:
1. Pack a “Go Bag”
Keep a gym bag in your car or by the door, so you’re always ready to go. That way, you don’t waste time searching for shoes or forgetting your water bottle.
2. Stack Habits
Pair your workout with an existing habit. For example, if you drop the kids off at school, head straight to the gym afterward. Or, if you watch Netflix at night, do a quick stretch session while you watch.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Finished a workout even though you were exhausted? Celebrate it. Squeezed in 10 minutes of movement on a crazy day? Celebrate it. Acknowledging these small victories keeps you motivated.
A Final Thought
At the end of the day, staying consistent is about finding what works for you. It won’t look the same for everyone, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time.
And remember – you’re not alone in this. Whether it’s your gym community, a coach, or a workout buddy, you’ve got people in your corner cheering you on. Life will always get busy, but staying consistent with your fitness is what will help you keep thriving through it all.
