You Say You Don’t Have Time to Work Out? Here’s the Harsh Truth

Let’s be real.

Life as a mom can feel like one never-ending episode of Survivor: The Minivan Edition. Between spilled snacks, endless laundry, and pretending you’re not hiding in the bathroom for 60 seconds of peace, it’s no wonder so many of us say, “I don’t have time to work out.”

But here’s the harsh truth (with love!): You probably do have time. You just might be using it on other things.

Now before you throw a sippy cup at me, hear me out.

First, a Little Disclaimer

Some people truly have circumstances that make working out extremely difficult. If you're working two jobs to support your family, caring full-time for a loved one, or simply trying to survive a really hard season—you are seen. You are strong. And your worth is not measured by burpees.

But for most of us? It’s not that we don’t have time to work out… It’s that we’re not making it a priority.

(Yes, I said it. I’ll wait while you refill your coffee and side-eye me.)

Why You Feel Like You Don’t Have Time to Work Out

New to strength training? Check out my free No-Fear Weight Room Tour video!

1. You’ve Got a Problem Mindset

You know the one:

• “I can’t make it to the gym.”

• “I’m way too busy with the kids.”

• “My schedule is WAY too full to add anything else”

Sound familiar?

That’s called a problem mindset. It’s when your brain is constantly scanning for reasons it won’t work instead of looking for even the tiniest ways it could work.

Instead of saying,

“I don’t have time for a full workout,” try: “I’ve got 10 minutes right now. What can I do with that?”

Ten minutes of movement is better than 10 minutes of excuses. And bonus-you didn’t even have to change out of your mom bun or find matching socks.

2. Your Priorities and Your Goals Are on Different Planets

Let’s play a game.

You say you want to get stronger, lose some weight, feel more confident in your skin.

But your daily routine looks like:

• Coffee

• Kids

• Work

• Scroll

• Dinner

• Netflix

• Crash

Nowhere in there is “move your body.” See the problem?

We all have 24 hours. What we choose to do with them? That’s where priorities come in.

And yes, I know—it doesn’t always feel like a choice. But if you have time to deep dive into Facebook comments or watch that one influencer’s entire morning routine (even though you know her toddler is probably just off-screen eating glitter)… you could squeeze in a workout or some movement. 

How to Fix It Without Burning Out or Buying a Trampoline Desk

1. Catch the Excuse Mid-Sentence

Start paying attention to when you say things like:

• “I don’t have time today.”

• “I’ll start next Monday.”

• “This week is just too crazy.”

And ask yourself:

• Am I actually too busy? Or am I avoiding something uncomfortable—like starting again and possibly not being perfect?

• Would I rather scroll than sweat because one feels easier?

No shame. Just awareness. You can’t change what you don’t notice.

2. Start Smaller Than You Think You Need To

I know what you’re thinking “Your workouts take an hour, Rachel!” But when you're restarting or just trying to build the habit, the goal is to build momentum first.

So start with:

• 10 squats every time you use the bathroom (yes, really)

• A plank during that one painfully long kid show theme song

• A walk around the house while on hold with the pediatrician (again)

These micro-habits won’t replace a real workout—but they will help your brain stop seeing movement as an impossible mountain.

And once you’ve made space for a few minutes, you’ll be way more ready to commit to a more effective gym session you know actually gets results.

3. Put It On the Calendar Like It’s a Root Canal

Because your health deserves the same respect as your dental hygiene, okay?

Pick the days you’re working out. Block them off. Treat it like it’s non-negotiable—even if that means rearranging a few things or saying no to one more PTA email.

Here’s the truth bomb:

 If it’s not on your calendar, it’s probably not happening.

Still Saying “I Don’t Have Time to Work Out”? Let’s Zoom Out

Let me gently ask you this:

What would need to happen for you to feel like you had enough time?

Do you need:

• A clear plan so you’re not guessing?

• Someone to help you stay on track?

• Permission to show up messy and imperfect and still count it as a win?

Because spoiler: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent.

You know what builds real momentum? A regular workout routine that fits into your actual life. Not your fantasy, Pinterest-worthy life. Your current one. With kids, mess, chaos, and all.

That’s why I built Fit Lifestyle in a Box. It’s a whole system that makes your strength training workouts doable, structured, and mom-life-friendly—without needing to reinvent your entire schedule.

Let’s flip the script you’ve been repeating.

Instead of:

“I don’t have time to work out.” Try: “I’m choosing how I use my time—and I can choose to use a few minutes for me.” “I can make space, even if it's not perfect.” “I’m done waiting. I'm showing up now.”

Because you don’t need more time.

 You need a plan. A mindset shift. And a little tough love with a side of grace.

 Ready for a Plan That Actually Works for Your Life?

If you’re done feeling like fitness is another thing you’re failing at, come check out Fit Lifestyle in a Box. You’ll get:

• Structured strength workouts that don’t take hours

• Realistic meal planning and macro guidance

• Support that actually feels supportive—not overwhelming

Or if you want help mapping it all out, book a free discovery call and let’s find your starting point.

You’re not lazy. You’re not behind. You’re just one mindset shift away from massive progress.

You’ve got this. And your messy, beautiful, jam-packed life still has room for you to take care of YOU.

-Rachel