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Do we all have the same 24 hours in the day?

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By Brian Foley from Activate Fitness

Anyone who knows me or has been reading my columns/blogs for any length of time, you already know that I get really upset when I think someone is being taken advantage of, or if I see someone making elitist and misguided judgements against anyone based on their appearance or lifestyle.

That’s why, when someone recently said the following to me I got a little upset:

“The majority of the population don’t get results because they lack the self-discipline and probably could benefit from at least pushing past sitting on the couch every day.”

My argument against most ‘fitness influencers’ and even some supposed fitness professionals in general is that the regimes, typically six to 12 weeks, they take their clients through are punitive and have no lasting value. They don’t teach people anything about their relationship with food and their bodies, and they can be physically and emotionally harmful.

But anyway, I initially didn’t answer the comment that this person made because I don’t tend to argue with people whose minds are already set, and their information is gleaned from David Goggins for psychology and 'Men's/Women's Health Magazine' for physiology, I typically just leave it.
People have the right to disagree with me, and why argue?

Afterwards, someone who overheard this conversation asked me why I didn’t engage.

I didn’t respond to the comment because I don’t agree with what was said about ‘self-discipline’ and ‘sitting on the couch all day,’ which is exceptionally ableist.

Besides the fact that the comment implies that overweight/unfit people do nothing but sit on the couch all day, which makes steam come out of my ears, what they said is very similar to the meaning behind the quote, “we all have the same 24 hours in the day”.

I’ve seen this 24 hours comment a lot, especially in 'Nutrition Challenge' and fitness circles. It drives me absolutely insane.

Here’s just a few quotes I pulled from online:

“No one is too busy in this world. We all have the same 24 hours. It’s all about priorities.”

“People tell me: “I don’t have the time to do this business.”, Lies; We all have the same 24 hours in a day. You make time for what you want. No excuses.”

“We all have the same 24 hours in a day. If someone else seems to be accomplishing more than you, they’re sacrificing more than you.”

When I look at these quotes, all I see is blame and humiliation.

Is it just me?
No excuses?
Is everyone else sacrificing more?
Lack of direction?

These things don’t even enter into the equation for an entire cohort of the population. Posting or saying any of this shows a complete lack of insight into the real-life struggles that others have.
Not only that, it rubs their faces into these struggles.

I’m pretty sure that when someone throws around the ‘same 24 hours in a day’ thing, they’re just trying to make themselves feel good by making other people feel like crap.

And although they’re meant to be ‘inspirational,’ these sayings shame others into feeling as though they aren’t trying hard enough to meet other peoples’ expectations for them.

Needless to say, it’s nobody’s job to meet YOUR expectations of how you think they should be running their life.

There are a lot of reasons why someone might not work out, or be ‘successful’ in meeting their health and fitness goals, but I’m willing to bet that none of these reasons are simple.

People are complex, and to sum them up in a blanket comment doesn’t do them justice, nor is it fair.

Sure, the laws of time apply to everyone. Nobody has 27 hours in a day.

But real life, not ‘excuses,’ can impact a person’s ability to just ‘get off the couch’ and live a life that’s the stuff of an inspirational quote.

No matter how hard some people work, life still challenges them beyond their capabilities.
Yes, there are always outliers, and their stories are the ones that make it into the media.

Someone who was living in abject poverty, with no home and living on Social Welfare and who is now the CEO of some company.

Even some ‘fitness gurus’ have “failure to success” stories.
People love this stuff, and it’s great for marketing and sales.

But the majority of people have lives that won’t turn out that way, and that has nothing to do with their level of motivation or the number of hours in their day.

Next week read Part Two where we look at some research as to why many people are challenged when it comes to fitness due to things that can throw a spanner in the works of even the most persistent of people.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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