It’s about time
“Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.” -Douglas Adams
Think about it, in just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday! Time is a funny thing. We all have the same amount of it to work with, but so help me, it seems like the older I get, the less time I have in a given day.
In virtually all surveys conducted asking people why they do not exercise as often as they should, the number one reason given is, time. That is, not enough of it. In most cases it is reality an issue of priority. Americans have proven they will spend more time and more money on a good maintenance program for their automobiles and their pets than they will for their most valuable asset − their body.
As you may or may not know by now, my forte with fitness, in other words, what I have brought to the various exercise and fitness solutions of our day, is all about time. My contention is that more people would be far more successful at reaching their fitness goals if they did a brief but intense workout every day, verses a longer workout a few days a week.
This approach−now proven after twenty years of working with time challenged people−works better because it allows one to take control of their exercise commitment, and get-it-done before all of the other things get the best of their time.
Dorothy and Bob
To demonstrate why this is the case, let’s compare the traditional (exercise) approach, with my 10-15 minutes every day approach. Let’s look at the examples of Dorothy and Bob.
Dorothy decides to take the conventional approach of exercising 2-3 times a week for 45-60 minutes. Dorothy started out great. Then week two got really busy and she missed a-day…next week same thing.
Month total: 11
Bob decides to try my approach of exercising for only 10-15 minutes 5-7 days a week. Bob’s first week started busy and things stayed busy all month. But at only 10-15 minutes a day he managed to stay consistent.
Month total: 26!
If I’ve learned anything as I’ve gotten older, it is that time is a very precious commodity. I want to use as little time as possible doing the things that I either don’t like doing or don’t want to do, in order to have more time for the things I really enjoy. Welcome to the art of multitasking.
The problem, however, with multitasking, is we’re not always as efficient as we think we are at doing several things at once. One of the many embarrassing moments of my life took place years ago when I took a quick break to run some errands, including getting the van cleaned. I was pushing a deadline on an article I was writing, so I continued thinking and writing while I was getting stuff done.
I filled the van with gas paying extra for the car wash. I remember punching in the code numbers to start the car wash, and then getting right back to my writing. This is the perfect multitasking opportunity because I do nothing but go along for the ride in the car wash tunnel.
Just as I was putting pencil to paper, my head jolted to the right as hot soapy water literally soaked me in about 1.3 seconds—I had forgotten to close my window! Now, I was so soaking wet and soapy that I could not get a grip on the handle to roll up the window. Leaning into the door to try and leverage my grip, my head was now perfectly positioned for the big rotating brush to sweep across my face. It felt like I was rubbing my face down a wet Christmas tree.
Right at the point that I finally got the window up, the van was rolling out the tunnel. There I experienced the final benediction of this multitasking joyride, as I stepped out of the van—soapy and soaking wet—to the cheers of all onlookers. Needless to say, it was not one of my finer moments.
Do you exercise, or workout or both?
I have many times drawn a distinction between exercising and working out. Most people are “exercising” thinking this will get them to their fitness goals. What they do not realize is that they really need to “workout”. The human body needs a workout! A workout is where the body is given the sufficient stress needed to strengthen the heart, muscles and bones.
And, oh by the way, a good workout is not supposed to be fun. Just get down to business… get in, get out, and get it over with!
I’ve often seen people multitasking while exercising. I’ve seen people on a stationary bike, and even a treadmill, reading, writing, etc.. One of the best things about a short but comprehensive 10-15 minute workout, is that while you’re putting in your ten minutes, you’re concentrating on only one thing; doing each exercise correctly and giving it all you’ve got.
The side benefit of following this plan is that you can relax and really enjoy those privileged times you get to exercise; walking by yourself or with your significant other, walking your dog, swimming, biking, canoeing, hiking, playing your favorite sport, etc.
More time for the things you enjoy!
Another amazing thing to consider about getting a good workout in only 10-15 minutes every day, is how much time you will save over your lifetime.
Let’s examine just a 7 year period. Let’s say that for 7 years you spend ten minutes a day working out. You averaged six days a week, and seldom missed two days in a row. In calculating that out, that means in seven years you spent 21,840 minutes or 364 hours or slightly over 15 days working out.
Now using 60 minutes 3 times a week—over the same seven year period—you would have spent 65,520 minutes or 1,092 hours or 45.5 days working out. That’s a difference of 30.5 days!
Assuming both methods got you in great physical condition as a result of your workouts, clearly the ten minute a day plan saved you a ton of time. Now imagine all the enjoyable things one can do with 30 plus extra days. I can imagine it, because I’m doing it!
More time to spend with your children or grandchildren. More time to read or explore. More time to start another business. More time for hobbies or to plant a garden. More time to play tennis, golf, go to a sporting event. More time to use your gifts and abilities to help someone less fortunate. SIMPLY MORE TIME!
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