People who are too busy to do exercise

[Hollyandivygoout]

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.

You could say that everyone has time for exercise, or home-made food, or daily reading with their kids, or looking after their garden, or meditation, or help out a neighbour, or sort their trash properly, or donate blood, and I am sure that is true. Pretty much everyone has time for some of those things.

Why you are so pleased with yourself that you picked the one priority you like best, I am unclear on.

I am with you, OP. If you don't exercise is because you don't bloody want to. Stop coming up with silly excuses. Even if you are a single parent you can find 5 minutes to do some exercise in the living room.

I’m saying you’re being unreasonable, because I am a regular and enthusiastic runner, who right now cannot manage to run regularly at all. And it’s really depressing me, not least because I know how much better I would feel. Only managing a sporadic 10k on a Saturday, life is just getting in the way.

It's all about priorities. If they put other things above exercise then yes, they will run out of time, and therefore have "no time".

But it's not up to you or anyone else to tell them what their priorities should be.

People probably feel like they have no time or mentally and physically just can't get Into it. It takes sheer dedication to keep doing it and a lot of self discipline which some people might not have. I was the same booked up for a gym membership and rarely went. There was always something came up , child off school , exhausted after work , appointments here there and everywhere. Finding the motivation amongst all that too can be hard. In reality I suppose if I really looked at my life and had a lot of self discipline I could definitely fit 30 mins at least every day

I’d have to get up at 4am to exercise before work! Not thanks. After work I’m at home with my kids and by the time they’re sorted and in bed it’s 9pm and I’d rather sit in the sofa and eat crisps tbh.

Most people have partners, right?

Having a partner who helps equally with childcare and housework should be a basic expectation for all women, not a privilege for a select few.

Full time work as a single parent it is still possible

It can be mad time in front of a tv workout or to music - they don't have to join in but can if they want - it was a good giggle

Or go on a run when the kids go on a play date or to brownies

A long walk together

Skip back from school

Park with a bat and ball in the summer

And if it's 2 parents both should get time at the weekends

Why do you care?

Don't judge people for not making the same choices as you. I have an 8mo baby so at the moment walk daily as I'm on mat leave, but when I'm back at work full time, am I fuck prioritising exercise. I'd rather use the couple of spare hours I'll have to relax and see my baby! I also prioritise going to my board game group twice a week because it's my main social life. It's no one's business 🤷 and there's no way on earth I'm getting up earlier to do it.

Also, to go running, you need to have someone at home looking after the kids, trainers, kit, and access to a safe and well-lit running area (I think a lot of women wouldn't want to run in the dark, which is often the only time you do have downtime). Who would want to go jogging in a rough part of London at night?

Also the burden of housework etc still largely falls on women. When you have young kids, the housework gets done in any downtime.

Because people have different lives maybe...I have small children, a full time job and a husband that works away mon - fri. Who will look after the kids while I go for a run? I incorporate exercise in taking the kids swimming, walking the dog... Obviously not enough exercise but I literally do not have the time. What a smug post

It’s very mean spirited and judgemental, you do you and don’t worry about anyone else!

I have literally just joined a gym today after not exercising for years. I used to run 35 miles a week, did a marathon but I got injured and it ended my running forever.

I’ve struggled since because I genuinely loved running and I’m so envious every time I see a runner but I’m moving on and trying to get fitter.

I would say, be grateful you are strong and fit, don’t worry about others.

I have time
I just prefer to spend it other ways

It's odd that so many people think exercise = running or going to the gym. The OP talked about exercise which for her is running. For other people it could be walking to school, running around with the kids, doing an exercise video when the kids have gone to bed, walking the dog, walking on your commute, being active in your job. It's about seeing where you can be active in your life. And it's important.

A) I don't have time.
B) there's a hundred other things I would rather do than exercise even if I did have a spare half an hour.
C) you sound judgemental

This.

Single parents
Parents caring for disabled children
Parents caring for disabled parents
People working 2/3 jobs to make ends meet
People who when they do find themselves with 30 minutes free, are too exhausted (see above) to use it to go for a run
People with mental health problems
People with physical health problems
People getting no sleep due to any combination of the above

Took me approx 10 seconds to think of those...

Do you commute? If you don't you have 2 hours spare per day compared to many people. So no wonder you can fit exercise in.

YANBU to prioritise it - YABVU to think you know what other people have going on in their lives and can pass such judgement.

Your children are secondary age. By something you’ve always done I assume you didn’t leave the children alone as toddlers/infant school age and had another adult to stay with them. You must see that in lots of family set ups often there’s only one adult present due to relationship breakdown or work.

Wow you come across as very judgemental. What does it matter to you anyway? You really can't think of reasons why people genuinely wouldn't have the time to exercise?

I'm hoping to reduce my hours from September because we've realised it's an unsustainable lifestyle.

Good point about the commute - the hubby likes running/cycling to work. But
I can't due to baby drop off (and don't get me started on cycling with babies on the back - absolute death traps).

But also, I don't think I could teach after exercise - I go ridiculously red and sweaty (I'm not fat, it's just what happens to my body). How do others manage this?

Anyone else think Op is just a throw in a grenade, wind all the MNers up and sit back with 🍿

Best thing is to get a decent amount of exercise into your daily life. Most people hate running anyway

Why do i feel her popcorn would be plain and flavour free

Down the sh!t in butter dammit

Actually, I'm always honest..... I never exercise, not because I don't have time, but because it's so staggeringly boring!

I'm willing to bet that you, OP, must have some issues within your own marriage/children/family that other people don't have. How would you feel if you got judged for your own issues, just because you have your exercise regime sorted? How would you feel if someone said to you - oh we don't have x,y,z issue because we are just so fucking wonderful? Perhaps realise that people, and their circumstances, are different - then wind your neck in and deal with your own life rather than chastising others.

Ah yes, I have so much time to exercise with a 2 year old by my side every second I’m not at work. I have no family within 3 hours of here and a husband working abroad. Shall I leave her home alone to go to the gym or when she’s asleep shall I ignore the cleaning/washing my hair/my physio I need to do every night for my wrists to work to do a work out?

stop being so high and mighty and understand not everyone’s circumstances are the same as yours.