Why “I Don’t Have Time” is a Lie and How to Find Hidden Minutes in Your Fitness

We’ve all said it: “I don’t have time to work out.” But let’s be honest—that’s not entirely true. We have time to scroll through social media, binge-watch shows, or linger over coffee with friends. The problem isn’t time; it’s how we choose to use it. Imagine if even a fraction of that time went into something that benefits future you—like moving your body, feeling stronger, and investing in long-term health.

The Marshmallow Test of Fitness

In a famous psychological experiment, children were given a marshmallow and told they could eat it immediately or wait and get two later. The ones who waited? They grew up to be more successful in life. Fitness works the same way. Do you take the short-term comfort of skipping a workout, or do you postpone the immediate pleasure of staying in bed for the long-term pleasure of strength, energy, and confidence? Every skipped workout is like eating the marshmallow now. Every completed workout is a step toward something greater. So many of us have issues with focusing on the long term when it comes to health-related issues. The marshmallow test proves that people who are more successful are able to say no to something pleasurable today, like that second slice of birthday cake, in order to benefit from it in the longer term. Think of the marshmallow test next time you’re offered that cake or feel it’s too early and too cold to walk in the park. The feeling is not great in the moment, I admit it, but the long-term benefit is great with a capital G.

Make Yourself Accountable (and Have Fun Doing It)

Motivation fades, but accountability keeps you going. If you struggle to stay on track, make fitness social. We’re social animals and a community-oriented species from inception! Join a class online or in person, find a workout buddy, sign up for a fun challenge with your fitness teacher. Our bodies crave routine, and our minds thrive in a community of like-minded people striving for the same goal: a healthier, stronger, more vibrant future. The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Fitness isn’t a solo journey—it’s a lifestyle you share, build, and grow into. The time to start? Today.

Stealth Fitness—The French Secret to Staying Active

Our fitness coaches underline this all the time. Find the hidden minutes in your day. In French Women Don’t Get Fat, Mireille Guiliano spills the secret: the French weave fitness into daily life. They walk everywhere, take the stairs, and turn eating into a leisurely social experience, after which they STOP eating. No crash diets. Just mindful eating and smart, consistent movement with your accountability buddy (or coach) as you go about your day.

Exercise Education and Food Education

We must educate ourselves and the people around us about exercise and about food. 

Exercise, like food, can be a fun, social endeavour and it doesn’t need to take all day! There are lots of hidden minutes in your day to prioritise your goals in a fun way that suits your personal style. Incorporate movement into your daily life. Exercise with a friend, find someone to make you accountable in the mornings or evenings and keep you company on your fitness journey. Multi-task your way to fitness. In other words, turn the time that we use to scroll online, watch tv, or meet friends for coffee into double-down time. Catch up with pals whilst walking. Listen to podcasts whilst running to catch up on online activity. Find the hidden tricks: take the stairs, do squats in the ads.

Remember a fitness coach can empower you to live a healthier, happier life with expert-led workouts, personalised fitness plans and a vibrant community of like-minded fitness enthusiasts that compels users to want to learn and do more.

Likewise, we must educate ourselves about food. French people prioritise food, they eat together and make food into a fun social act they are privileged to enjoy. It’s about learning to think about food in the right way. They take time to eat so they feel satiated and then they stop eating. So eat good food in moderation with family and friends. Food is not your enemy. On the contrary, it’s your friend. You’re privileged to have access to good food.

Also read: 4 “Big Fit” Habits to Make Your Fitness Goals Stick in 2025

In Summary

We need to time things in life: the time to invest in our health is now. No later than now. Instead of saying I don’t have the time, say: I’m making time because I can and because it’s an investment in my future. And because it’s a privilege to be able to choose this beautiful future.

The good news? You can do it easily.

Time your life, find the hidden minutes and don’t do it alone.