7 Minutes X 60 Days
How one simple question helped me trim down and tone up fast.
Update from January 2017: 60 days have now become 13 months. Still going strong, still thrilled with the results and still recommending this approach to anyone who will listen.
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This is the question, and the person asking was me:
“I know you’re busy, but are you telling me you can’t spare 7 minutes a day?”
It’s a hard one to wriggle out of. So 60 days ago, I gave up wriggling and decided to make a change.
It was early December. My energy levels had been drooping noticeably for months and I wasn’t happy about it. High-calorie holiday excesses were looming on the horizon like a festive oncoming train.
Then two things happened. First, I stumbled on a badass and inspiring Medium post written by someone I could relate to who was making some changes to his lifestyle and seeing some great results — physical, mental and more.
And second, I saw a photo of myself in one of my favourite shirts that brought to mind (to my self-critical eye, at least) an overstuffed sausage casing.
It was time to do something.
But what?
Or more precisely, when? As in, how was I going to fit something new into my week?
As a partner in a growing business who travels sometimes for work, a husband who tries not to suck at being a husband, a father of two active, busy boys and a guy who really values a good night’s sleep, extra time was scarce.
But … I had a memory of hearing some buzz a while back around a newfangled notion that very short, high intensity workouts could deliver great results with very little time commitment. In fact, come to think of it, my family doctor had even mentioned it at my last physical (hint hint!).
So I did what one does in this day and age. I picked up my phone and searched for something in the App Store. What I found was an app called, simply, Seven.
The design looked pretty tight, the reviews were good, and the message was crystal clear.
“Just minutes a day”
“Fun achievements and rewards to keep you motivated”
“Based on the 7-minute workout featured in NY Times Magazine”
At this point, I was faced with the aforementioned question:
“Your days are pretty packed, sure. But are they so packed that you can’t spare a paltry 7 minutes a day?”
I’m a busy guy … but come on buddy, no one’s that busy.
So I downloaded the app and started up the next morning.
60 days later I haven’t missed a single day <pats own back>. A new habit has been formed. And I am frankly astounded at the results.
I’ve trimmed down and toned up more than I would have thought possible in such a short time. I’m no Chris Hemsworth, mind you. I very much doubt I’ll turn any heads at the beach this summer. But compared to where I started (essentially a lumpy, middle-aged bucket of pudding) it’s nothing less than mind-blowing.
I have muscles in places I’ve never had muscles before. My clothes are fitting better. I’ve brought some shirts out of (forced) retirement. I can button blazers that have hitherto gone unbuttoned. And that’s just the physical stuff.
My energy levels and endurance are also way up. No more collapsing on the bed for 15 minutes after work every day. And my mood is brighter. I feel more present and alert. I feel just sort of healthy in general. And I’m drinking less booze and eating better, too. Not because I feel like I have to. But because I just like feeling healthy and want to feel even healthier.
All of this is after just 60 days.
Of seven. Minutes. Per. Day.
Think about it for a second. Seven stinkin’ minutes …
Think about all the useless crap you do every day that wastes more than 7 minutes.
Before I go any further I should give a shout out to the real hero of this story— science.
The app is great, sure. It’s well done. I recommend it. But it’s the theory behind it that is truly genius.
For the uninitiated, the basic approach is known as High Intensity Circuit Training, or HICT for short. It’s been around for a while, but then a few years ago a couple of sports medicine geniuses published some research about exactly how much benefit this method could deliver in a small daily window through routines that anyone can do anywhere with no equipment required. Ideal for busy people who travel for work.
The result is, no kidding, like some kind of strange, potent black magic with science and push-ups and mixed in.
And it’s downright sneaky, too, which I absolutely love. It’s a hack of sorts. A judo move that turns your body’s natural wiring to your advantage, tricking it into speeding up your metabolism and building muscles instead of adding more pudding.
Like I said, genius. All hail science!
Anyhow, that’s my story. Those of you who know me know that writing a post like this is sort of out of character. Like exercising was, until recently.
But since a Medium post helped kick me into gear, I figured I should pay it forward.
Which brings me to you.
Have you been thinking about taking better care of yourself? Are you having trouble turning your good intentions into actual action? Are you a super busy person who maybe travels for work and finds it hard to sustain an exercise routine?
Well, let me ask you this …
How busy are you, really?
Too busy to spare a measly 7 minutes a day?
