Why do we prioritise others over our own health and wellbeing?

Why Do We Put Off Getting Stronger? 
Picture this: You're scrolling through social media, nodding along to posts about the importance of strength training, saving articles about bone density, and thinking "I really should start doing this." Sound familiar?
As women, we're incredibly good at taking care of everyone else's health - booking their appointments, reminding them to take medications, encouraging them to stay active. But when it comes to investing in our own strength and fitness? Well, that's when things often get... complicated.

The Procrastination Puzzle
Have you ever wondered why we do this? Why we keep pushing aside something we know is vital for our health, especially as we age? It's a bit like knowing we need to service our car but continuing to drive it until something goes wrong - except our bodies don't come with replacement parts (we ideally don't want to go down the joint replacement route anyway!)
 
The irony? The time we spend worrying about fitting exercise into our busy lives often exceeds the actual time it would take to do a strength session. And let's be honest - managing health issues that develop from inactivity takes far more time and energy than prevention.

What's Really Holding Us Back?
Sometimes it helps to pause and ask ourselves some honest questions:
- Are we afraid of appearing "selfish" by taking time for ourselves?
- Do we feel intimidated by the gym environment or uncertain about proper form?
- Are we comparing ourselves to others and thinking "I'm too old to start now"?
- Have previous attempts at exercise left us feeling discouraged?
 
These are all valid feelings, and you're certainly not alone in having them. But here's something I've observed in my years of coaching women: the biggest regret isn't starting - it's waiting so long to begin.

The Strength Training Truth
Let me share something that might surprise you: strength training doesn't have to mean hours in the gym or lifting heavy weights (unless you want it to!). It can start with:
 
- 15-minute bodyweight sessions at home
- Simple resistance band exercises while watching TV
- Short, focused workouts twice a week
 
The key isn't perfection - it's consistency. And consistency doesn't mean every day; it means finding a sustainable rhythm that works for YOUR life.
 
Making the Shift: Small Steps, Big Impact
Remember how you learned to drive? You didn't jump straight onto the motorway - you started in car parks, quiet roads, building confidence gradually. Strength training follows the same principle:
 
1. Start where you are, not where you think you "should" be
2. Focus on form before adding challenge
3. Celebrate small wins (like mastering your first proper squat!)
4. Build gradually, allowing your body and mind to adapt
 
The Time Investment Reality Check
Let's put this in perspective:
- A focused strength session: 30-45 minutes
- Managing chronic health issues: Countless hours of appointments, treatments, and recovery
- The choice seems clear, doesn't it?

Your Permission Slip
If you've been waiting for a sign to start, consider this it. You don't need to transform your entire lifestyle overnight. You don't need to become a gym devotee. You just need to take one small step towards stronger tomorrow.
Ready to explore what that first step might look like for you? Whether it's joining a beginners' strength class, booking a 1:1 session to learn proper form, or simply starting with some home exercises, the key is to begin somewhere.
 
Remember: Future You will thank Present You for starting now, rather than waiting for the "perfect" time (spoiler alert: it doesn't exist!).
 
Your Next Step
If any of this resonates with you, I'd love to help you take that first step. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about what strength training could look like for YOU, get in touch. Together, we can create a plan that fits your life, respects your current fitness level, and helps you build the strength you deserve.
 
Because here's the truth: you're never too old, too unfit, or too busy to start taking care of your future self. The question is: what small step could you take today?
 
Want to learn more about getting started with strength training in a supportive, judgment-free environment? Let's chat about what that could look like for you.