Are Longer Workouts Better?

A brief workout 5-7 days a week, or 30-45 minutes of exercise every few days

I have proven that people are far more successful at reaching their exercise and fitness goals, when they increase the frequency (develop the habit of working out more often), increase the intensity (how hard they workout), and decrease the total time of their workout to only 10 minutes. 

To demonstrate why this is the case, let’s compare the traditional approach to my 10 minute approach. 

Let’s look at the example of Dorothy and Bob. 

Dorothy decides to take the conventional approach of exercising 2-3 times a week for 30-45 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 the new approach of exercising for only 10 minutes 5-7 days a week. Bob’s first week started busy and things stayed busy all month. But at only ten 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. 

Another amazing thing to consider about exercising for only 10 minutes, 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 10 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 10 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!