There’s More to Creating a Fitness Plan Than People Realize
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, most people in the U.S. already feel maxed out. Time, energy, and money are limited resources, and many are juggling them just to get through the day. So, when someone decides they’re fed up with their fitness and wants to take on a new workout plan, it’s not as simple as lacing up sneakers and hitting the gym.
A successful fitness plan requires you to think critically about where these three resources—time, energy, and money—will come from.
1. Time
If you’re not currently working out but want to start, the first question to ask yourself is: Where will this time come from?
Time is a zero-sum game. If you’re adding something new to your schedule, something else has to give. Are you willing to sacrifice TV time, scrolling on social media, or even an extra 30 minutes of sleep? It’s not just about finding time but consciously deciding what you’re willing to trade for it.
2. Energy
Working out doesn’t just take time—it also takes energy. If you’re already feeling drained at the end of the day, it’s important to evaluate where your energy is currently going. Ask yourself:
• What am I doing now that drains my energy?
• Can I minimize or eliminate activities that leave me feeling depleted?
Alternatively, consider ways to boost your energy reserves. This might mean prioritizing better sleep, improving your nutrition, or managing stress more effectively. Sometimes, it’s not about cutting things out but about adding habits that energize you for the new commitment.
3. Money
While some fitness activities are free, many come with a cost—gym memberships, fitness classes, equipment, or even the gas to drive to a park. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll need to figure out where the funds will come from.
Are you willing to reallocate money from other areas, such as dining out or entertainment? Or could you find creative ways to work out for free, like using bodyweight exercises at home or running outdoors?
A Personal Example: Prioritizing Time With My Daughter
This idea of balancing resources applies to all aspects of life, not just fitness. For instance, I’ve recently decided I want to spend more quality time with my seven-year-old daughter. I want to create core memories with her, but to do so, I’ve had to carefully consider how to free up time, energy, and money.
• Time: I’ve realized that I need to cut back on mindless scrolling or other low-value activities to make space for meaningful experiences with her.
• Energy: To have the energy to be present and engaged, I’ve started going to bed earlier, eating healthier, and planning my days better to reduce stress.
• Money: While some activities we enjoy are free, others—like trampoline parks or roller-skating rinks—come with a price tag. I’ve had to reallocate funds, cut back in other areas, or dip into savings to make these experiences possible.
The Takeaway
Whether it’s fitness, family, or any new goal, success starts with a plan. And a good plan requires understanding that time, energy, and money are finite resources. It’s not enough to set a goal—you need to figure out what you’re willing to sacrifice or change to make it happen.
So before jumping into your next big endeavor, take a moment to evaluate your resources. Ask yourself:
• What am I willing to trade to make this work?
• How can I optimize my time, energy, and money to align with my goals?
The answers to these questions might just be the key to creating a sustainable, successful plan—whether it’s for fitness, family, or anything else that matters most to you.
Like they say, never underestimate the power of the mind.
Thank you, everyone who shared personal stories of resilience when I asked for some on social media. Inspired by you, I finished the OCRWC World Championship 3k with a silver medal (my highest-ever finish at a world championship), despite losing sleep and emotional energy over my father‘s passing the week before.
And then, at 42 years-old and significantly older than my competition, I woke up the next morning, pushed aside all excuses not to toe the start line again, raced the 15k race (which ended up being 10 miles) up and down a steep mountainside, carried a 50lb sandbag over a rock quarry, and swung through monkey bars, right onto the world championship podium again.
When I thought perhaps I couldn’t do it, my heart reminded me that I could, as I remembered how many people are dealing with life obstacles far greater than my own.
Ever want something really badly, and go after it with all you’ve got, only to come up short?
I have, many times. And today, unfortunately for me, was no exception…yet despite feeling disappointed, there’s always a sense of accomplishment that comes with committing to a goal, regardless of the outcome.
After going out strong and poised today, in the small lead group at the top of the big hill, nearly halfway through the race, I got a little hung-up on a funky strength-based obstacle (La Gaffe) but made it through and raced on with determination, still in the top four.
At a new ninja-based obstacle called DropZone, I took a risk to make up time and attempted to lache through it rather than monkey-bar it. It worked, until it don’t. I fell of near the end, my arms pumped, tried again right away and fell right off again. 😩
As I felt my big goal slip from my grasp, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, shifting my mindset to finishing as well as I could, no matter the current circumstance, seeing it as a chance to practice the life skill of pivoting. 👍
With newfound energy, I took my friend on the sideline’s advice and persevered through the obstacle with a new technique, and then raced my heart out to run down the person in front of me.
Although it’s easy to think that I did not train that hard all year to finish in seventh place, I also have enough respect for the women from around the world who finished ahead of me to know that seventh is still something to be proud of.
Congrats to everyone who raced, especially Kris Rugloski (3rd), Lindsay Webster (2nd), and Ida Mathilde for bring him gold! I’m happy for you three.
Ever want something really badly, and go after it with all you’ve got, only to come up short? 💚
I have, many times. And today, unfortunately for me, was no exception…yet despite feeling disappointed, there’s always a sense of accomplishment that comes with committing to a goal, regardless of the outcome. 👍
After going out strong and poised today, in the small lead group at the top of the big hill, nearly halfway through the race, I got a little hung-up on a funky strength-based obstacle (La Gaffe) but made it through and raced on with determination, still in the top four.
At a new ninja-based obstacle called DropZone, I took a risk to make up time and attempted to lache through it rather than monkey-bar it. It worked, until it don’t. I fell of near the end, my arms pumped, tried again right away and fell right off again (overconfident that my recent bout with golfers elbow hadn’t affected my overall strength and grip endurance very much). 😩
As I felt my big goal slip from my grasp, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, shifting my mindset to finishing as well as I could, no matter the current circumstance, seeing it as a chance to practice the life skill of pivoting. 👍
With newfound energy, I took my friend on the sideline’s advice and persevered through the obstacle with a new technique, and then raced my heart out to run down the person in front of me. 💥
Although it’s easy to think that I did not train that hard all year to finish in seventh place, I also have enough respect for the women from around the world who finished ahead of me to know that seventh is still something to be proud of. 😊
Congrats to everyone who raced today, especially @krisruglowski (3rd), @lindsaywebster (2nd), and @idamatilde for bring him gold! 🏆 I’m happy for you three.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you land among the stars.” ~ Les Brown
So anybody too afraid to put themselves out there, too afraid to fail. To some, I did just that. And even though it’s a bit disappointing, it’s still totally worth it.
It seems to me like life is always better when you go for big goals, because even if you miss them, the lessons you learn along the way make you a better person. ❤️
Ever want something really badly, and go after it with all you’ve got, only to come up short? 💚
I have, many times. And today, unfortunately for me, was no exception…yet despite feeling disappointed, there’s always a sense of accomplishment that comes with committing to a goal, regardless of the outcome. 👍
After going out strong and poised today, in the small lead group at the top of the big hill, nearly halfway through the race, I got a little hung-up on a funky strength-based obstacle (La Gaffe) but made it through and raced on with determination, still in the top four.
At a new ninja-based obstacle called DropZone, I took a risk to make up time and attempted to lache through it rather than monkey-bar it. It worked, until it don’t. I fell of near the end, my arms pumped, tried again right away and fell right off again (overconfident that my recent bout with golfers elbow hadn’t affected my overall strength and grip endurance very much). 😩
As I felt my big goal slip from my grasp, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, shifting my mindset to finishing as well as I could, no matter the current circumstance, seeing it as a chance to practice the life skill of pivoting. 👍
With newfound energy, I took my friend on the sideline’s advice and persevered through the obstacle with a new technique, and then raced my heart out to run down the person in front of me. 💥
Although it’s easy to think that I did not train that hard all year to finish in seventh place, I also have enough respect for the women from around the world who finished ahead of me to know that seventh is still something to be proud of. 😊
Congrats to everyone who raced today, especially @krisruglowski (3rd), @lindsaywebster (2nd), and @idamatilde for bring him gold! 🏆 I’m happy for you three.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you land among the stars.” ~ Les Brown ⭐️
For anybody too afraid to put themselves out there, too afraid to fail, today essentially, I did just that. And even though it’s disappointing, of course, it’s still totally worth it. 💚
It seems to me like life is always better when you go for big goals, because even if you miss them, the lessons you learn along the way help you grow as a person. ❤️
I mean, training for this race got me to commit to two minutes a day of meditation (see blog link above), and it’s a habit I plan to keep up, so that’s a life win right there. 😁
