How I Balance Work, Family, and Fitness

Prioritizing yourself can feel challenging and sometimes even a little selfish. But let me reassure you: taking care of your mind and body is never selfish. When you show up for your own health, you show up better for everyone who depends on you. It reduces stress, boosts energy, supports emotional well‑being, and helps you move through life with more confidence and clarity.

But how do you find the time when your days already feel packed? Here’s a look at how I balance a full‑time career as an IT Specialist, my part‑time personal training business, and my roles as a wife, mom, and “Mimi.”

Balancing the Work Week

My Morning Routine: Setting the Tone for the Day

I work from home most days, so my mornings start early - usually around 5:00 a.m. My husband, Ricky, and I enjoy a quiet cup of coffee together before the day gets busy. By 6:00 a.m., I’m on the treadmill for a 35–45-minute run. This is my time to listen to an audiobook or podcast and ease into the day with movement. After my run, I clean up and log in for work by 7:00. Starting my day with movement helps me feel grounded and focused, and it’s one of the ways I practice showing up for myself.

Midday Strength Training: Making the Most of My Lunch Hour

Instead of scrolling or rushing through lunch, I use that hour to strength train. It’s efficient, energizing, and keeps me consistent even on busy days. Strength training is one of the best ways to support long‑term health, especially for women balancing work and family. If you’re curious why, check out Strength Training for Every Age: Why It’s Never Too Late - or Too Early - to Get Strong.

Transitioning Into My Second Job: Personal Training

My workday ends at 3:30 p.m., and by 4:00 I’m welcoming my first training client. I use the 30‑minute window to mop the floor, clean equipment, and write the workout on the whiteboard. Most weekdays I train 2–3 clients and wrap up by 7:00 p.m.

Evenings: Family, Food, and Recovery

Dinner is always planned ahead. Either something in the Instant Pot or meat thawed for Ricky to BBQ. We eat together, then prep breakfasts and lunches for the next day. Meal prep saves time, reduces stress, and keeps us on track with our nutrition goals. If you want to build this habit, you might like Meal Prep Made Simple - How to Set Yourself Up for Success.

Most nights we unwind with some spa time; a chance to relax, reconnect, and talk about our day. If our granddaughter is with us (which is often, since our son works nights), we spend time watching TV or playing games with her before bedtime.

We’re usually in bed by 8:30 or 9:00. Sleep is a non‑negotiable part of staying healthy.

Office Days: A Slightly Different Rhythm

On the days I commute into the office, the routine shifts a bit. I wake up earlier and start work earlier, so I skip the morning run. I’m still home by 3:30 and ready for clients at 4:00. If I’m fully booked, I treat it as a rest day. If I have an open hour, I use it for my own workout. Flexibility is key and it’s something I encourage all my clients to practice through habit building.

Weekend Resets - Family Focused

Weekends look a little different every time, but they always serve the same purpose for me: a chance to reset, reconnect, and catch up on the things that keep our home and our lives running smoothly.

I do train on the weekends, but I typically only have a few sessions booked. That lighter schedule gives me space to tackle the chores I don’t always get to during the week, like grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, and the little tasks that make the upcoming week feel less chaotic. These are my practical “reset hours,” and they help me stay organized without feeling overwhelmed.

Family time is also a non‑negotiable part of my weekends. My parents live locally, so I make it a point to visit them, even if it’s just for an hour. Those small pockets of connection matter. My husband and I, married 29 years now, also prioritize quality time together. Sometimes that means a slow, cozy day watching movies. Other times we’ll head to a local brewery, enjoy a beer, and unwind. And if I don’t have clients booked, we’ll sneak away for a weekend camping trip, our favorite way to disconnect and breathe a little deeper.

Finding balance in the quiet moments - where work pauses, family gathers, and wellness feels effortless.

And of course, one of the best parts of our weekends is time with our granddaughter, Addisyn. Whether we’re playing games, watching a show, or just enjoying her company, she brings so much joy into our home.

Weekends may shift and change, but they always bring me back to what matters most: family, health, and creating space to breathe.

The Real Message: Showing Up for Yourself Isn’t Selfish

Life is busy for so many of us. As working moms and grandmothers, we often carry more than people realize. But taking care of yourself is not optional, it’s essential. When you prioritize your health, everything else becomes more manageable.

If you’ve been wanting to get back into fitness but aren’t sure where to start, reach out. We can build a plan that fits your schedule, your family, and your goals. You deserve to feel strong, supported, and balanced.

-By Yvonne Lawrence, Owner & Coach — North Side Strength & Fitness