Sir Isaac Newton probably wasn’t thinking about busy schedules, work deadlines, or family commitments when he came up with his First Law of Motion, but his words hold wisdom for anyone navigating the chaos of modern life—especially when it comes to fitness. Newton’s First Law states: “If a body is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line, it will remain at rest or keep moving in a straight line at constant speed unless it is acted upon by a force.” Simply put, objects in motion stay in motion, and objects at rest stay at rest, unless something changes.
In the fitness world, this principle plays out every single day. When you are active and consistent, momentum keeps you going. But the moment you stop, it becomes harder to start again. Life gets busy, and it’s tempting to let your workouts slide, but here’s the truth: staying consistent, even at a reduced capacity, is the force that keeps your fitness journey moving forward.
Why Consistency Matters More Than Perfection
Many people fall into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking: “If I can’t work out five days a week, I might as well skip the gym entirely.” But the reality is, doing something is always better than doing nothing. A single workout may not seem like much, but it’s a signal to your body and mind that you’re still in motion. It maintains your fitness habits, keeps your muscles engaged, and preserves the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Momentum is powerful. When you keep moving, even during busy times, you make it easier to pick up the pace again when life settles down. On the flip side, when you come to a complete stop, restarting can feel like trying to push a boulder uphill. The good news? You don’t have to lose your gains or sacrifice your progress just because your schedule is tight.
Practical Steps to Keep Moving During Busy Seasons
Here are five actionable steps to help you stay consistent and maintain momentum, even when life feels overwhelming:
1. Adjust Your Expectations
Not every season of life will allow for hour-long workouts five days a week—and that’s okay. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on what’s realistic. If you can’t make it to the gym as often, commit to shorter sessions or at-home workouts. Even 15-20 minutes of movement can make a big difference.
2. Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments
Busy schedules don’t magically clear up; you have to make time for what matters. Treat your workouts as non-negotiable appointments. One of our athletes, Jennifer, blocks them off in her calendar and protects that time. This is her reminder of how important fitness is to her. For others, it might mean waking up a little earlier, taking a quick workout break during lunch, or prioritizing exercise over TV in the evening.
3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
When time is limited, prioritize workouts that give you the most bang for your buck. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training are both efficient ways to maximize results in less time. At CrossFit Dwell, our one-hour classes are designed to make every minute count, combining functional movements and intensity for a full-body workout. For even more flexibility, consider scheduling personal training sessions with our coaches. With 30- or 45-minute options available, personal training allows you to fit fitness into your schedule while receiving individualized attention to help you stay consistent.
4. Keep It Simple
Don’t overcomplicate your fitness routine. Consistency doesn’t require fancy equipment or elaborate plans. Bodyweight exercises, quick runs, or even a short stretching session can help you stay active. If you’re short on time, focus on core movements like squats, push-ups, and planks to maintain strength and mobility.
5. Lean on Community for Accountability
It’s easier to stay consistent when you’re surrounded by people who share your goals. If you’re a member of CrossFit Dwell, you already know the power of our supportive community. If you’re struggling to stay on track, reach out to a coach or workout buddy and ask them to hold you accountable. Even a quick text saying, “Hey, are you going to class today?” can be the nudge you need.
The Cost of Inaction
Let’s go back to Newton’s Law. If you allow yourself to come to a complete stop, inertia sets in. The longer you stay at rest, the harder it becomes to overcome the resistance to movement. Miss a week of workouts, and you’ll feel the difference. Miss a month, and you might lose some of the strength, endurance, or confidence you’ve built.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let that happen. By staying consistent, even in small ways, you can maintain your fitness and make it easier to pick up steam when your schedule opens up again.
Keep Your Momentum at CrossFit Dwell
At CrossFit Dwell, we are here to help you stay in motion, no matter what life throws your way. Whether you can make it to the gym once a week, twice a week or five times a week, our classes are designed to meet you where you are right now and keep you progressing. If you’re struggling to find balance or need help adjusting your fitness routine, let’s talk. Our coaches can work with you to create a plan that fits your life and keeps you moving forward.
If group classes don’t fit your current schedule, personal training might be the perfect solution. With flexible scheduling and the option for 30- or 45-minute sessions, personal training gives you the freedom to stay consistent on your terms while receiving expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Don’t let a busy schedule derail your progress. Keep taking those small steps and watch how much it adds up over time. Schedule your next class or personal training session today, and let’s keep your fitness journey moving in the right direction.
Ready to Start?
If you’re not currently exercising, now is the perfect time to take that first step. At CrossFit Dwell, we make it easy to get started. Schedule a free intro session where you’ll meet with one of our coaches to discuss your goals, learn about our programs, and discover how we can help you build momentum toward a fitter, healthier you. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start today. Your future self will thank you!