As a high-achieving mom, I know how overwhelming it can feel to try and fit in a workout when your day is packed with a never-ending to-do list. Between kids, work, and the endless responsibilities that come with being a mom, finding time for yourself feels like a luxury. And when you do finally carve out a moment, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need a perfect 60-minute workout to make it count.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need an hour-long workout to see results. You don’t need to follow someone else’s schedule. And you certainly don’t need to live up to unrealistic standards that make you feel like you’re failing before you even start.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I really want to get back into a routine, I just don’t have the time right now,” I hear you. I’ve been there. And I want to share with you a strategy that helped me (and my clients) break free from the perfection trap and finally build consistency.

The Myth: You Need a 60-Minute Workout to See Results

I’ve been in the fitness industry long enough to know that many women believe they need to dedicate an hour or more to working out in order to make it “worth it.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

When my kids were little, I’d think, “If I could just get that one workout in, and it has to be an hour-long, then I’ll be okay.” I’d plan on getting to a class, get the kids situated, and then try to squeeze in a two-hour window — but life never seemed to give me that. The result? I kept putting it off, thinking I needed more time to make it work.

But here’s what I discovered: You don’t need to spend a full hour at the gym. A quick 10-minute burst of movement can have just as many benefits. In fact, research from the American Heart Association shows that short bouts of exercise throughout the day can reduce health risks and improve your overall fitness. Even 10 minutes of movement can increase your energy, boost your mood, and support your metabolism.

Why You’re Struggling: Trying to Follow the Wrong Plan

Here’s where many of us get stuck: we try to follow routines meant for people who don’t have the same responsibilities as us. Maybe you’ve been tempted to copy someone else’s fitness routine — one that looks “perfect” on Instagram or YouTube. But here’s the thing: their life doesn’t look like yours. They don’t have kids to shuttle around, meals to prepare, or the same hectic schedule.

When you try to follow someone else’s plan, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. It’s easy to feel behind before you even begin because you’re trying to match someone else’s expectations. But here’s the reality: Your routine doesn’t have to be perfect to count. What matters is consistency, and consistency doesn’t mean going all-in every single day.

The Key: Habit Stacking and a Simple Rhythm

One of the best things I ever did for my fitness routine was to embrace the concept of habit stacking. Instead of trying to find an hour of time to work out, I began adding 10-minute bursts of movement into my day. Whether it was stretching, jumping on the trampoline with my kids, or going for a quick walk, I focused on doing something — anything — that moved my body and gave me a burst of energy.

And here’s the key: don’t try to do it all seven days a week. Instead, I recommend starting with three days. Yes, just three days. And these don’t have to be perfect, intense, hour-long workouts. They’re simply three days where you make movement a non-negotiable part of your day.

How to Create a Consistent Fitness Plan

The next time you’re looking at your week, try this: pick three 10-minute windows to fit in a quick workout. Block those times off on your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable. Even if you’re only able to fit in 10 minutes, it’s still progress.

If you’re already working out three days a week, challenge yourself to add a fourth day — even if it’s just another 10-minute session. The point is to build a rhythm that works with your life and keeps you on track, no matter how crazy your schedule gets.

Start Small and Build Up

Once you’ve got your three days set, you can slowly start to build up your workouts. Start with 10 minutes, then gradually move to 20, 30, and beyond. But remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about finding a rhythm that supports you. If you prefer to work out at home, bodyweight exercises or dumbbell routines are great for getting in quick but effective sessions.

A 10-Minute Example to Get You Started

Here’s a simple 10-minute workout you can try:

1. Squats (1 minute)
2. Push-ups (1 minute)
3. Lunges (1 minute)
4. Plank (1 minute)
5. Jumping Jacks (1 minute)

Repeat each exercise for one minute, rest for 30 seconds in between, and you’re done! You’ve just completed a full-body strength workout in 10 minutes.

Consistency is Key

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. You don’t need to go all in every single day — just find a rhythm that works for you. If you’re consistent, those small wins will add up, and soon enough, you’ll be building momentum and seeing results.

If you’re struggling with where to start, or if you want support in creating a plan that works for your life, I’m here to help. DM me on Instagram, and let’s chat about your unique fitness journey and how we can make consistency fit into your life.

Grace over grind. Rhythms over rules. Let’s build a wellness routine that works for YOU.