Did you know that you can jump start your metabolism in just 8 minutes of exercise in the morning, each day? You still need to get in some cardio and strength training later in the day, but an 8 minute stint of brisk walking will rev your body's engine to burn off those Christmas cookies and treats.
Getting fit is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. But for most of us, when we fail to see results quickly enough, we lose interest. "There goes the plan to get fit this year : ("
But just 8 minutes of exercise will start your metabolism for the day, give you energy and a healthy glow, and create the mind-set to make healthier choices throughout the day. Both fitness guru Jorge Cruise, and diet expert David Zinczenko, recommend 8 minutes of exercise as one of the first things you do every day, to boost your metabolism.
8 minutes, you say? When I heard this, I jumped on board. I can do 8 minutes in the early morning. This is a lifestyle change that I can follow through on. 8 minutes of walking around the block. 8 minutes on the rebounder. 8 minutes of a 10-minute Tony Horton video (that's not even the full 10-minute trainer!). An 8 minute bike ride through the neighborhood. Even 8 minutes of lifting hand weights, while I sit in my favorite chair, watching the AM news. Can you break away from your home, family and routine for 8 minutes in the morning?
Getting fit is a lifestyle orientation. Making this goal for your body is not something that you do for 4 months until swimsuit season, then figure, "hey, I did it!" and slip back into old ways. A lifestyle change is something you choose to do for life. For me, 8 minutes is totally doable.
It's been a week now, since I began my 8 minutes. I gave myself Sunday off, but have stuck to it every other day. The big test was back-to-school on Monday. Would I get myself up and out early enough for 8 minutes? Would I have enough time before driving my daughters to school? What about how dark it is so early, would that be a problem? Guess what? It was easy. It turns out, 8 minutes is something I CAN spare. So, I guess we'll just see in a month if I'm still making this a priority. It's hard to tell with me. I hope I can keep to it.
How about you? Did you resolve to make health or fitness a priority in your life this year? Tell me what you're doing to further that goal. Maybe you're ahead of the game and already living a fit lifestyle. Share with me how you keep yourself motivated to continue on.
P.S. There's a free 10-minute workout on the Dr. Oz website, designed by Tony Horton. It's very doable. He offers suggestions on how to make the exercises more and less difficult, as you need. It's what I do for exercise when the weather is too miserable outside. But for now, while the weather is favorable, see you around the block! ; )
