‘I know I should, but I just don’t have the time’. A pound for every time I’ve heard this, and I’d probably be able to afford a croissant at a new local bakery (I know I’m meant to say that ‘I could retire’ but most Muswell Hillians will understand).
Let’s get real. We’re all busy. Between work, family, social commitments, and the never-ending pile of life admin, exercise can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. But the reality is: prioritising your health doesn’t mean overhauling your life. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Here’s how to make fitness fit you, not the other way around.
The power of accountability: sub-contracting your fitness
Self-motivation is great… in theory. In reality, it’s often the first thing to go when life gets busy. That’s where hiring a personal trainer becomes a game changer. You’re effectively sub-contracting out your fitness (and given half of north Londoners are consultants, we do know how you love your sub-contracting 😊). With a PT, you have a dedicated time and date in your diary, so there’s no debating whether to go or not. Your brain switches off, and you follow instructions, which is perfect when your mental bandwidth is already stretched thin.
Having someone waiting for you reduces the temptation to skip a workout. It’s not just about training harder; it’s about showing up consistently. A PT holds you accountable and keeps you on track, making your health a priority even when motivation wanes. So, if you struggle with self-discipline, consider outsourcing your motivation.
Health is an investment, not an expense
Look, we all love a good splurge on something shiny or indulgent, but ever thought of treating your health as the ultimate luxury investment? Regular exercise can reduce your risk of costly health conditions—think heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems plus the silent assassin of lower back pain. If you’re spending on anything this year, let it be your health. Because what’s the point of earning well if you’re too tired or sick to enjoy it?
The long-term payoff? More energy, fewer trips to physios and osteopaths, and a better quality of life. Health now means happiness later.
Stress relief that works (and lasts)
One of the reasons I love living in Muswell Hill is that even though it has become an affluent area, it is primarily first-generational wealth ie, those living here have worked damn hard to buy their houses and still have that grounded attitude. With that, however, does mean that we live in a high-stress world, juggling work deadlines, family duties, and trying to have some semblance of a social life. Stress!
Exercise can be your secret weapon. Why? Regular physical activity reduces cortisol (that nasty stress hormone) and can leave you feeling clearer, calmer, and more focused.
Consistency over perfection
We all know that person who hits the gym hard for two weeks, then vanishes. Don’t be that person. The key to lasting health is consistency, not bursts of unsustainable effort. Progress over perfection, every time.
2025 advertising will have you dreaming of six-pack abs in just (insert unrealistic number) of weeks. Do you know what isn’t sexy? Slow and steady. Do you know what works though……slow and steady!
Working together with a PT will allow you to progress in a consistent but sustainable way. That does mean so slow that you see no progress. Nor does it mean so slow that it allows a trainer to hide behind excuses. But it does mean steady enough progress that in 6 months’ time, 12 months’ time, you are still on track. How many of you reading this can say you do this when alone?
Asset management
Your health is the most important asset you own. Prioritise it, nurture it, and make it work with your lifestyle, not against it. The goal isn’t to be perfect but to keep moving forward. Let’s make 2025 the year we all put our health first – and actually stick to it.
