The 10-Minute Rule

Sometimes, the hardest part of getting outside and getting exercise is getting off the couch and out the door.

“I’m soooo tired!”

“I’m coming down with something.”

“I don’t feel like it!”

“Ugh! I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Sound familiar? I know I’ve said all of these things more than once. It’s hard to find time to exercise, especially when you’ve fallen out of the habit, or have never been in the habit. It’s hard to think about the whole workout in front of you. It can feel overwhelming and intimidating.

It doesn’t have to be. One of my favorite keys to success for maintaining a regular workout schedule is what I call my 10-Minute Rule. I force myself out the door and promise myself just 10 minutes. I know I can do anything for 10 minutes. I give whatever I am doing – walking, running, riding my bike - my full effort, whatever I can do that day, the full 10 minutes. After that, I check in. How do I feel? How does my body feel? Can I go on? Do I want to give up? If I don’t feel like I can do more, I call it a day and go home. I don't feel guilty because I gave it my best for 10 minutes. But, usually after 10 minutes, the endorphins start kicking in and I feel awake & alive, my body feels less sore, and whatever brain fog was trying to keep my on the couch has lifted. Most days, if I promise myself 10 minutes, I can go on and finish my workout.

Focusing on completing one small goal – just 10 minutes – will ultimately help you accomplish a much larger goal, whether it’s running a 5k or a marathon; riding your bike to work each day or finishing a century; or hiking for 2 miles or to the top of a 14er. Break it down and promise yourself 10.

What are your secrets to success?

It's all in you,
GG