We all lead busy lives, and it’s easy to believe that there simply isn’t enough time for fitness. Between work, family, social events, and unexpected life occurrences, it can feel like our schedules are completely maxed out. But what if we take a step back and break it down? What if we shift our perspective and really analyze how much time we have available? You may be surprised to find that you have far more time for training than you think.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Many Days Are Truly Available for Fitness?
A year consists of 365 days, but once we factor in the realities of daily life, how many of those are actually available for training? Let’s take a realistic look:
- Major holidays: 10 days (New Year’s, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and others)
- Family birthdays: 4+ days (assuming a family of four)
- Vacation: 14 days (assuming two weeks off per year)
- Sick days: 6 days (average for a family of four)
- Unexpected snow days or emergencies: 2 days
That’s a total of 36+ days gone, leaving 329 days available. That means, on average, you still have over 6 days per week to train. Even if life is unpredictable, you still have more time than you think.
The Time Commitment: What Does Fitness Really Take?
Many people overestimate how much time they need to dedicate to fitness. The reality? You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to see results. Let’s break it down:
- 15-minute commute each way (30 minutes total)
- 1-hour workout
- 5-10 minutes to change or transition
That’s roughly 1.5 hours per session. If you train 6 days a week, that’s 9 hours per week dedicated to your health. Over the course of a year, that adds up to 468 hours.
Now, compare that to the 8,760 hours in a year—it’s just 5% of your total time. When you put it in perspective, spending 5% of your time on something as crucial as your health doesn’t seem like much at all. Even if you only commit 3 days per week, you’re still investing in longevity, energy, and overall well-being without sacrificing the rest of your life.
Fitness Saves You Time in the Long Run
What if we told you that committing time to fitness actually gives you back time? It might sound counterintuitive, but regular exercise doesn’t just improve your body—it improves your efficiency in daily life. Here’s how:
More Energy = More Productivity
When you exercise regularly, you don’t just get physically stronger—you gain energy. Regular movement boosts circulation, oxygen delivery, and overall vitality, meaning you’ll have more energy to tackle your daily tasks. The result? You get more done in less time, making up for the time spent in the gym.
Less Time Spent Being Sick
A strong, well-nourished body fights off illness more effectively. When you prioritize your health, you reduce your risk of colds, flu, and other illnesses that can keep you out of work, away from family, and off track. Instead of spending days recovering, you stay ahead and keep moving forward.
Better Mobility and Strength Prevents Injury
Think about how much time is lost due to injuries—both small and major. A simple back tweak from lifting a heavy box, knee pain from walking up stairs, or even general stiffness that slows you down each day. Strength training and mobility work help prevent injuries that could sideline you for weeks. Investing a little time now saves a lot of time later.
Reduced Stress and Mental Fatigue
Stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue slow us down and drain our productivity. But exercise is one of the best stress-relievers available. A workout clears your mind, resets your focus, and helps you tackle challenges with a fresh perspective. Instead of wasting time feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, you reclaim that energy and put it to good use.
Making Fitness a Non-Negotiable Part of Life
If you want fitness to become a sustainable habit, it needs to be built into your life, not treated as an afterthought. Here are a few ways to ensure you stay consistent:
- Schedule it like a meeting. Put your workouts in your calendar, just like any other commitment.
- Start small. If 6 days a week sounds overwhelming, commit to 3 days and build from there.
- Make it convenient. Choose a gym near work or home, or do workouts that require minimal equipment.
- Find a community. Training with others increases accountability and makes workouts more enjoyable.
- Track your progress. Logging workouts, tracking PRs, and reflecting on improvements keeps you motivated.
Final Takeaway: You Have More Time Than You Think
When you zoom out, you’ll see that fitness doesn’t take time—it gives time. Even with all of life’s commitments, there’s still time to prioritize your health. Whether it’s 3 days a week or 6, the key is consistency over perfection.
So, how many of your 329 available days will you use to invest in a healthier, stronger you? The choice is yours.