Written by Lauren, Accredited Exercise Physiologist | Healthy Connections

You’d probably expect an Exercise Physiologist to love exercise all the time.

And while I genuinely enjoy being active and know how good movement can make me feel, the truth is, I’m not always excited to do it either.

I’m Lauren, an Exercise Physiologist at Healthy Connections, and I spend my days helping people find ways to move that work for them - whether that’s building strength, improving balance, managing a health condition or simply feeling more confident getting around.

But outside of work, I’m just like everyone else.

As a woman, I wear many hats, both professionally and personally.

As a woman, I wear many hats, both professionally and personally.

I’m a friend, wife, daughter, mother, pet owner, colleague, caregiver, mentor, counsellor, scheduler, cook, a pretty terrible financial analyst, amateur comedian, outrageously underpaid cleaner, and everything else in between.

With an ever-growing job description, it’s easy for exercise and healthy choices to slip further and further down the list.

And tired women everywhere are saying the same thing:

“I just don’t have enough time!”

The truth is, many women are really good at prioritising everyone else.

Work, family, pets, partners, appointments, meals, errands… the list goes on.

And somewhere in amongst all of that, looking after yourself can end up at the bottom of the list.

But you deserve a place on that list too.

So, how do you prioritise movement when you’re already tired from carrying around all those hats?

For me, the answer is simple: reduce the friction.

Make it easier to get started

I exercise in the morning.

My 5.30am alarm - apart from someone blasting a car horn in my earhole - is basically the rudest way to wake up.

But I know that if I do it then, it’s done.

Not because I want to. Because I know it will make me feel good, and there’s Buckley’s chance of me doing it in the afternoon.

So I set my clothes out the night before and know exactly what form of torture I’ll be doing the next morning.

Then I just do it.

Even when I’m tired. Even when it feels heavy, hard or gross.

I just do it.

And gradually, it becomes a habit.

It’s like brushing my teeth or dropping my kid at school. It becomes part of my morning routine rather than something I have to constantly find the motivation to do.

It’s not about looking a certain way

For me, exercise has always been more about the mental benefits than how I look.

I like the way it makes me feel: strong, capable and accomplished.

I notice how much happier I am on the days I exercise. I feel more motivated to take on the world, Brisbane traffic and those annoying personal shoppers with their oversized Woolies trolleys.

The cool thing is that when I keep the promises I make to myself, I get stronger.

Not just stronger muscles, but a more capable body. A body that helps me wear all those hats, manage stress and keep up with everything life throws at me.

And for me, that’s worth making time for.

You don’t have to do it perfectly

You don’t need a perfect routine.

You don’t need to love every workout.

And you definitely don’t need to wake up at 5.30am if that sounds absolutely horrifying to you.

You just have to start.

Find something you enjoy. Find a time that works for you. Make it easier to get started and, most importantly, give yourself permission to make your health a priority too.

Whether it’s joining an exercise session at Burnie Brae Healthy Connections in Chermside, working with our Exercise Physiology team or simply finding a way to move that fits into your life, we’re here to help you feel stronger, more capable and confident in your everyday life.

Because making time for yourself is worth it.

Ready to Make Movement Part of Your Routine?

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If you’re finding it difficult to make time for exercise, or you’re not sure where to start, the Exercise Physiologists at Healthy Connections can help you find an approach that works for you.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve balance and confidence, manage a health condition or simply become more active, our team can develop an exercise program tailored to your individual needs, goals and lifestyle.

To find out more or book an appointment, contact Healthy Connections on (07) 3624 2121.