Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Review: 8 Minutes in the Morning


A simple way to shed up to 2 pounds a week guaranteed
by Jorge Cruise
published by Rodale
copyright 2001
rating: 4.5 out of 5

One of my New Year's Resolutions for say the past decade has been to concentrate on fitness for a healthy lifestyle. I am a huge believer in moderation of everything - but since my life has not included water nor exercise for a while, I felt as though I was not living my own maxim. I suppose there was something about turning 50, however, that gave this year's resolution sticking power. We are now in February and I have walked over 35 miles, drunk (on average) 4-6 glasses of water a day (which is not optimum - but I am working towards that goal), and I have completed one complete circuit of the 8 Minute workouts outlined in this book.

I had really never heard of this exercise regime before, but as I was browsing through the used bookstore a little after Christmas (I had a gift card, you know), I saw this book on the clearance rack. I figured for $2.00, what did I have to lose and the premise of the book seemed quite manageable: complete 4 cycles of two different exercises each morning for a total workout time of approximately 8 minutes. Now, I am just as busy as the next person (or so I tell myself), but I thought that I should be able to find 8 minutes in my day to exercise - right?

Now I cannot vouch for losing 2 pounds a week, as weight loss was not my goal. I just want to build up some muscle tone and become a bit more lean. I found all the exercises doable except for the two that required a push-ups. My upper arm strength has never been good, and that will take a while to develop. I did purchase a set of 3-pound weights, and if I continue with these exercises over the course of the year (which is my intention), then I will have to eventually invest in a set of 5-pound weights as well. However, there is not other equipment to buy - no fancy steps to learn - no gym membership - no driving in all weather conditions - no fancy workout clothes or latest fitness shoes to purchase --- just a simple desire to take those baby steps to better health.

I would recommend this book to anyone who, like me, uses the excuse of "I have no time to exercise" I know you have 8 minutes and while it may take a while for the results to be evident in the mirror, the emotional satisfaction of doing something good for yourself is instantaneous.


11 comments:

  1. I've heard of this book but haven't looked through it. I guess almost everyone can find 8 minutes.

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  2. I loved doing this exercise regime. My mom bought this book when I was in college and (shh don't tell anyone) I copied the exercises and took them to college with me. They were the easiest things to do on a tight college schedule. Glad you like the book!

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  3. Eight minutes of exercise a day! I like it! I struggle with the exercise side of life, I do try, but the cold weather doesn't make me very enthusiastic. This book sounds wonderful.

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  4. Now I have 8 minutes in the Morning. I just don't have the motivation...LOL

    It does sound good Molly.

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  5. I'm sure I have 8 minutes to spare! Keep us posted of your progress, please!

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  6. I can definitely do 8 minutes a day. This book sounds like something that would work for me, since I always seem to succeed at a daily writing goal if I peg it at "20 minutes a day". When we're talking minutes, suddenly everything seems doable!

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  7. Hmm, sounds good! I belong to a gym that involves 30 minutes at a time, and I have a hard time going there twice a week!

    But maybe if I do this 8 minute thing in-between...

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  8. I've got a DVD featuring a 12 minute daily workout, but 8 sounds even better! Seriously though, it's great you're making some healthy changes - I've been doing the same. Maybe it is a 50 thing...

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  9. I'm suspicious on that two pound thing! I know how much I've been exercising and how little I've been eating, and this is about what I've been losing. Still, I'll try anything right?

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  10. I agree with you that the goal is to be active in order to stay active. Congrats to you and your will power! I live in NJ, and with freezing cold, snow, and ice, it's hard to make myself walk! I guess it's the treadmill...

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  11. I'll have to look into this. It would be very very very hard to not be able to find 8 minutes to exercise! Even I couldn't wiggle out that one.

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