2-minute recipe to better health

It's been a decade since I wrote my first blog on Yoga. Back then, I had just started moving. Where have I reached after all these years? Did I keep up? 

Before I begin, here is a reminder to my readers. I have never 'moved' in my youth. I wasn't born fit. I was barely athletic. I got special permission to skip PE class, on most days. (I can hear my classmates at school rolling their eyes.) A short walk would leave me panting, leave alone running. I was often sick and my protective parents believed that I was better off with no movements. 

But somewhere in my 20s that began to shift. I started 'moving' and found that it made me feel better, more healthier. My first real gym membership was when I was 9 months pregnant. (Hey the doctor taunted me for being overweight and those who know me know that I take dramatic steps). 

 

Fast forward to 2016 I joined a newly opened gym in the neighborhood. Most days, I'd spend about 15 minutes at the gym. Sometimes, it was just 10 minutes. The trainer used to be amused. He'd joke that I came to the gym to 'touch' the equipment on rotation and leave. Day after day, he'd smirk when I walked in. (It was in good spirit, he was a nice person) 

Years passed. I moved to the other side of the World. Now I use the gym at the apartment. It is different on this side of the world, but the routine is similar. And what remains the same is that now it's a neighbor who smirks when I'm done in 15 minutes. 

But you know what? 

I feel great in terms of health. 

I can run now, without gasping for air. 

I lift weights, day after day. I am stronger. 

No, I do not have six pack abs (never going to get there, as daily dessert is absolutely necessary for my survival), but I'm in better shape than ever before. 

If you've read Atomic Habits you will know of the two-minute rule. Any habit that you're trying to build can be scaled down to 2 minutes (Below is from James Clear's website) 

“Read before bed each night” becomes “Read one page.” 

“Do thirty minutes of yoga” becomes “Take out my yoga mat.” 

“Study for class” becomes “Open my notes.” 

“Fold the laundry” becomes “Fold one pair of socks.” 

“Run three miles” becomes “Tie my running shoes.” 

That's all it takes. Start small. Even when I did not feel great, or overslept- I always showed up, every single day. (Almost every day; Hey I am human, imperfections are part of the deal) 

Another concept from the book is 'habit stacking'. Workout is tied to my morning routine. I do not GET to decide on the timing. It is at the exact same time, in the same order, every single day. 

I do not have transformation pictures, and this is not yet another transformation journey. But I am writing this to say that all you need is 10 minutes. If I can get away with doing so little, so can you. 

Of course, there are days when I have more time/energy and I workout longer or walk farther. I am always looking for ways to move. I love walking on the greenway trail, getting lost among the bird sounds and quiet thoughts. I am often trying out new routines (having a fitness trainer spouse helps!) On other days, I keep it interesting by multi-tasking with podcasts or losing myself in an AR Rahman playlist. 

But remember the first 2 minutes lay the foundation. Real change does not need hours, it just needs showing up.