Wed, July 01, 2009 - 10:06:08

6 Minutes to Fitness

image courtesy of the University of Pennsylvania

We know.  You’re probably thinking it sounds like the lead-in for a too-good-to-be-true infomercial, but recent scientific studies have shown that with as little as six minutes of exercise per week, you could increase your fitness levels as much as those who exercise six hours.  According to an article published in the New York Times, scientists at McMaster University in Ontario Canada researched the relationship of endurance levels to time spent exercising on two controlled groups of participants.  Going against the long-held perception that only lengthy exercise sessions build endurance, the research revealed quite a counterintuitive finding.  Short, but highly intense workouts can produce nearly identical endurance levels to those lasting hours longer.

And all that scientific talk sounds a whole lot like something very near and dear to our hearts: The Power of Small.  While further analysis is needed before we can truly know if we’re only six minutes from physical fitness, you can apply the same principle of short but intense bursts of effort throughout your life and harness the power of small to become happier, healthier, and more efficient:

Speed Clean: As Molly Boren, owner of Simplicity Works Organizing Services, explains in our book, start by isolating one small project and give yourself just enough time you need to finish it.  Try closing one eye, and with your thumb and forefinger stretched outward, make a circle in the air around the area you want to clean.  Set a timer for 15 minutes and get cleaning.

Have an Email Power Hour: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of messages in your inbox, you’re not alone.  But, instead of declaring email bankruptcy, dedicate a concentrated amount of time each morning to answering your emails.  Whether it’s one hour, or 10 minutes, give yourself the time you need to read and write back to each one you receive.  Not only will you feel more relaxed, your “senders” will thank you!

Scale the Stairs: Instead of waiting for the elevator every day, you can squeeze in a quick but intense workout just by sprinting up the stairs to your office.  Just remember to pack an extra pair of shoes and you can put the six minute fitness theory to the test yourself.

Make the Switch: If you’re addicted to the buzz that your daily cola provides, try switching to diet.  Talk about a fast way to lose weight—that simple change can save you 100 calories a day, which in turn will help you effortlessly lose 10 pounds over the course of a year.

Posted by Linda and Robin