Whether you used to live for PE and after-school clubs - or (like me) avoided team sports at all costs - chances are your relationship with exercise has changed over the years.
Maybe you used to love moving your body, but these days… energy’s low, your schedule’s packed, and your knees aren’t what they used to be.
Or maybe you were never that into “fitness,” but you do care about staying healthy enough to run your business, take care of your people, and enjoy life well into your 60s and 70s.
Whichever camp you’re in, here’s the good news: it’s never too late to move more.
But it is time to ditch the myths.
Myth #1: You have to go to the gym to get fit
Reality: You can move your body and build strength, stamina, and mobility without ever stepping foot in a gym.
Walking the dog, stretching in your kitchen, dancing around your living room, doing squats in your PJs - it all counts.
I’ve seen people feel stronger and more energised just by committing to two short outdoor sessions a week.
The key is finding something that suits your schedule, your preferences, and your mood.
Myth #2: If you’re not sweating buckets, it doesn’t count
Reality: Gentle, low-intensity movement is often exactly what your body needs - especially if you’re juggling a lot mentally or emotionally.
Movement doesn’t have to be hard to be helpful.
In fact, consistent, moderate movement is often more sustainable - and more enjoyable - than extreme bursts of intensity that leave you wiped out.
And let’s face it: if you’re over 40 and building a business, you’ve probably got enough stress already.
Your workouts don’t need to add more.
Myth #3: You need to work out for an hour a day
Reality: Short sessions, done regularly, are often more effective - and easier to stick to.
You can absolutely build a meaningful routine around 10–30 minutes of movement.
What matters most is showing up regularly, not perfectly.
That could look like a 15-minute walk before work, a few stretches between meetings, or a 45-minute session once or twice a week.
Consistency beats intensity every time.
Myth #4: If you’re not trying to lose weight or “tone up,” why bother?
Reality: Movement is about how you feel, not just how you look.
As business owners, we need our bodies to support our ambition - whether that means stamina for delivering workshops, energy for client calls, or strength to carry your own suitcase through a train station.
Exercise isn’t just about changing your body - it’s about supporting your life.
Myth #5: You have to do what you used to do
Reality: You’ve changed, your lifestyle has changed and that’s okay.
If you loved sport at school, you might be frustrated that you’re not “as fit” as you once were.
If you were never into it, you might think “it’s too late now.”
But in both cases, the answer is the same: you can still move your body in a way that works for this stage of your life.
Myth #6: You should love every workout
Reality: You probably won’t, but you might love how it makes you feel afterwards.
Or maybe you’ll love the music, the people you work out with, or just the satisfaction of ticking it off your list.
That’s enough.
You don’t have to fall in love with exercise - you just need to find a form of movement that feels good enough to come back to.
Myth #7: You need to do the same thing every week to see results
Reality: Life changes, diaries change and energy levels change.
The best movement routine is the one you can adapt.
Life’s unpredictable so the best fitness routine is one that bends with you.
So... What's True?
Being fit over 40 doesn’t mean hitting the gym five times a week or running marathons.
It means feeling energised enough to do the work you love.
It means protecting your health so your business doesn’t rely on burnout.
It means choosing the kind of movement that actually works for your lifestyle, your personality, and your goals.
If you’re curious about what that could look like for you, here are three ways to get started:
1. Subscribe to the Focus, Flow, Flourish Magazine
Get a do-anywhere, anytime workout each month - plus reflection prompts, seasonal food ideas, and inspiration to help you stay on track.
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2. Try a Wake Up & Workout session
Friendly, flexible group sessions online and in-person - designed for busy business owners who want to move more without pressure.
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3. Book a free chat
Let’s talk 1-to-1 about what’s getting in your way and explore realistic, enjoyable options that support both your wellbeing and your business.
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