Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

People who are too busy to do exercise

616 replies

Hollyandivygoout · 27/02/2025 09:43

I run about 4 miles, 4 times a week. I’m in a routine and force myself to do it even when I can’t be arsed. It takes me about 30-40 minutes each time I go for a run and I squeeze it in early morning, before dinner, just whenever I can really. I work full time and have 2DC who are admittedly at secondary school now, but this is something I’ve always done.
My AIBU is finding it annoying when people tell me they don’t have time to do any exercise. It’s like they’re so busy and important and I’ve got all the time in the world. I honestly don’t believe that the vast majority of people can’t squeeze in half an hour a few times a week.

OP posts:
Comedycook · 27/02/2025 09:51

I don't exercise because I hate it

PrincessAnne5Eva · 27/02/2025 09:50

You sound like someone I know who retrained as a PE teacher. She was always commenting on other people's life choices with zero empathy. It's great that you've got a hobby but not everyone has to follow it too. You're still a valid human being and no one is saying there's anything wrong with the way you live your life.

Mumof1andacat · 27/02/2025 09:50

Not everyone has childcare to leave the house. Exercise in the lounge is not always appealing and hard to motivate yourself for.

Blubbles · 27/02/2025 09:50

you sound very sheltered/ignorant ... not comprehending how others in different situations might not be able to do the same thing as you ...
So, my sisters' day - single parent. Up at 5am with small child, drops at childminders at 7:30 - goes to work 9-5 collects child at 6:30pm. - does dinner, bath bed and is downstairs around 8pm. Can't leave house. She does park run at weekend with child, so hardly able to run at speed - and they swim every weekend, but gain, not exactly lane swimming. She occasionally is childfree for an hour or so, maybe once a month.

When is she supposed to fit in the 4 runs every week?

whereaw · 27/02/2025 09:49

To be fair everyone has the same amount of time but different things to fill it with, I really want to up my exercise but currently I get up at 4:30am to work and often finish at 9pm. I am really struggling to fit it in, and my career, children, and our business are prioritised over myself and my own health. I would have to re-jig other important things to be able to exercise, do less work for example. It's balance and priorities. Also a single parent can't easily go for a run.
I get that it's important but you could say it about anything - why don't people read more, broaden their horizons, invest more in their relationships and sex life etc. Different things are important to different people.

Togglebullets · 27/02/2025 09:49

That's a really weird take on it - that their saying they don't have time is like some sort of attack on you.

I exercise a lot and have never felt victimised by people saying that. I generally agree that I'm lucky I have time to fit it in. I consider being able to exercise a privilege - it means I'm in good physical and mental health and have some kind of leisure time available to me. It is by no means guaranteed that everyone has this.

Mielikki · 27/02/2025 09:49

Simple - some people really don't like physical activity and exercise and see it as a chore and therefore de-prioritise it - they prioritise things like housework, relaxing etc over exercise.

Those of us who actually enjoy physical activity prioritise it much higher, above boring stuff like housework and shopping and watching netflix.

LemonBossy · 27/02/2025 09:49

Yeah come on...it's great that you have a regular routine but not everyone has that self discipline or motivation. There are many reasons why people might struggle to do it and that doesn't make them lazy, self important or less valid in any way.

bellsend · 27/02/2025 09:48

Because other people have different lives to you? It’s not that hard to understand.

i have 2 children, one who is disabled and needs me constantly, I work full time and also care for a disabled parent.

I AM too busy to exercise. Not that I should have to explain myself to ignorant folk.

LavenderBlue19 · 27/02/2025 09:48

Great, well done. Have a gold star 🙄

Mercedes45 · 27/02/2025 09:47

Well done 👏

MrsTerryPratchett · 27/02/2025 09:46

Give people a break OP. I run three times a week and find your post mean-spirited and a little smug.

Comedycook · 27/02/2025 09:46

I don't think it's because they literally don't have any time free at all...I think it is because they are too exhausted to use that time

Shwish · 27/02/2025 09:45

Well I absolutely cant go for a 40 minute run 4 times a week because I have young kids and can't just leave them on their own! I do have a Les Mills on demand subscription though so I do classes in my lounge

Notgivenuphope · 27/02/2025 09:44

Yet they have time so slob on the sofa and scroll on their phones.
Fully agree with you OP

mintjim · 27/02/2025 09:44

Why do you care so much? Ignore them and keep doing you. Sounds like you're very dedicated, good going.