So, I had a bit of a deep thought this week. If we just have 4000 weeks of life to live (52 weeks per year and roughly 80 years of living) is exercise truly the most valuable use of our time? The question isn’t whether your time is valuable but how valuable it is.
Recently, as I read Oliver Burkeman’s bestselling book Four Thousand Weeks, this question arose in my mind. It would be an injustice to not explore why anyone would spend hours every week working out if their time is limited, especially when you could be chasing dreams, making memories, or simply enjoying life in other ways. Is sweating it out really the best use of your precious time?
It’s a Matter of Perspective
When it comes to exercise, most people see it as a necessary evil—a box to tick for looking good, avoiding future health issues, or fulfilling a commitment to self-development. But what if those hours in the gym aren’t just another item on the to-do list but the key to making the rest of your time more meaningful, impactful, and fulfilling? Not just about living longer, but about making every one of those 4000 weeks count?
When you understand what exercise does for your mind, body, and the quality of your life, you’ll realise that skipping it could be one of the biggest mistakes you could make in maximising your 4000 weeks, and truly does have a special place amongst our limited existence in this lifetime.
Time is Precious, But Energy is Power
One of the first considerations is that time is our most limited resource, but energy makes time valuable. You can have all the time in the world, but without the energy to use it, it becomes meaningless. Exercise is the ultimate energy source. It fuels your body, sharpens your focus, and boosts your mood. It’s like pressing the reset button on your mind and body each and every day.
Imagine waking up each morning with the vitality to take on whatever comes your way. Exercise doesn’t take time away—it gives it back by increasing your energy. It’s an investment that pays off daily, making those 4000 weeks more vibrant and productive.
And here, I want to make a brief disclaimer: I’m aware some people have this piece of human existence robbed from them through degenerative disease or accidents, and for that reason, I do not believe that just physicality is what makes us valuable. However, if you have the ability, you should use it because those who no longer can, I’m sure, would love to. You owe it to that situation to reach your full value as a human.
Freedom Through Fitness
We all want the freedom to do what we love, when we want, with the people who matter most. Exercise is your gateway to that freedom. When you’re fit, you’re not just surviving— you are thriving. You can run with your kids, hike mountains, dance all night, or simply climb a flight of stairs without gasping for breath.
Without a strong body, your freedom is limited. The things you do today set you up for how your future looks and plays out. Sure, you could binge-watch Netflix, but what happens when you want to explore the world or keep up with life’s demands? What about when you have kids? Grandkids? or simply need energy to do the activities on your bucket list? Exercise unlocks a life of adventure and independence, regardless of how many weeks you have left. Right now you could very likely be focusing so hard on working to afford retirement. But are you staying healthy and physically capable to be able to enjoy retirement?
Sharpening the Mind
Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s a powerhouse for your mind. Regular physical activity improves cognitive function, enhances memory, and helps ward off the effects of aging on the brain. In today’s constant information overload, having a clear and focused mind is invaluable.
Think about the big decisions you must make, the creative ideas you want to explore, and the meaningful conversations you want to have with loved ones. Exercise helps you show up as your best self in every area of life. It’s not just about adding years to your life; it’s about adding quality to your years not just physically but also cognitively, and exercise promises to keep delivering on that promise.
Defeating Stress
Finally, Stress is a thief that steals your time, joy, and health. It’s a silent killer. But exercise is your most powerful tool against it. When you move, your body regularly it releases endorphins—the feel good chemicals that make you feel unstoppable.
You can let stress control your weeks or take charge of your life. Exercise is the ultimate form of self-care, a statement that you’re here to win, not just survive, and one of the most primitive things we can use to make ourselves our most human.
The Verdict
So, if we truly do only have 4000 weeks to live, is exercising worth it? Absolutely. Because it’s not just about the hours you spend working out—it’s about the life you get in return. Exercise boosts your energy, sharpens your mind, elevates your mood, and grants you the freedom to live on your terms. It’s not just a good use of time; it’s the best use of time.
As a father, the thought of how I’ll spend my 4000 weeks, and how that impacts my kids and their kids, weighs heavily on my decisions. With the benefit of hindsight, maintaining a high level of physicality and capability can only have positives.
Picture yourself looking back on those 4000 weeks, knowing you lived with vitality and squeezed every drop of life out of your days. That’s the power of exercise. It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better. So don’t just spend your weeks getting by—invest in them physically. You will thank yourself for it today, and not to distant into the future.