The Eight-Minute Philosophy

At 25, a close and trusted friend—who also happens to be an ex-girlfriend—introduced me to two videos by Jaime Brenkus, the fitness sensation taking the world by storm at the time. It was the era of VHS tapes and at-home workouts, and Brenkus’ "8-Minute Abs" and “8-Minute Arms” were unlike anything I had seen at the time. Cheesy and ubiquitous as it has become today, it seemed pretty brilliant at the time. And I will argue here; it still is! It’s smart "dharma,” which refers to a broader concept of moral duty, cosmic order, and, in the case of what we share today, a “right way to live.”

So, amid a sea of hour-long fitness routines, his short, focused sessions were a revelation to me at the time. Brenkus had created something extraordinary: a way to bring fitness into even the busiest lives without feeling overwhelming. From the first time I pressed play, I was hooked—not just on the concept but on the belief that a little effort could yield big results.

Over the years, Brenkus’ 8-minute routines became a cornerstone of my life. No matter how hectic things got, I found myself returning to the familiar rhythm of his workouts. Abs, arms, or a quick walk—they were my constants, fitting into days when nothing else seemed manageable. I’ve carried this habit with me for decades, proof that even the simplest commitment to movement can leave a lasting impact. These sessions became more than just exercises; they became a ritual of self-care, a reminder to prioritize my health in the chaos of daily life.

🎾 For Alicia and me, this little tennis emoji has become more than just a symbol—it’s our way of saying, “Here’s my thought—your turn to keep it going.” Whenever one of us shares a thought, an idea, or even a question, we end it with 🎾, inviting the other to serve something back. It’s inspired by Alicia’s love for tennis, a sport she plays to keep her mind sharp, her body strong, and her spirit high. Just like on the court, it reminds us that every great rally begins with a simple serve and grows through collaboration and movement.

What Brenkus taught me, and what I carry with me to this day, is the power of doing something—even just a little. A quick workout, a brisk walk, a moment to stretch—it’s often these small, consistent efforts that make the biggest difference. The beauty of the minimum is that it creates momentum; it pushes mind, body, and spirit to another level, one step at a time. In a world that often glorifies doing more, Brenkus’ philosophy reminds us that even the smallest actions can lead to transformative results. And perhaps that’s the greatest lesson of all: start small, stay consistent, and watch how far it takes you.

Just like a rally in tennis, building a habit starts with a single serve—a small, deliberate action that sets everything into motion. These commitments are designed to be that first serve, a foundation for finding your own minimum routine. They don’t need to be big or flashy; even the simplest routine can spark momentum and build strength over time. Have one? More power to you; expand on it! But for those that don’t, whether it’s a brisk walk, a few minutes of stretching, or simply caring for yourself daily, these are habits that build strength in your body, clarity in your mind, and resilience in your spirit. Ready to take your shot?

Commitment 1: Get Yourself Moving Every Day

Staying active each day isn’t just about hitting the gym for hours; it’s about giving your body the movement it craves to stay energized and healthy. Even the smallest action—like a walk, stretch, or quick workout—keeps your muscles engaged, your mind sharp, and your spirit uplifted. Consistent movement fosters resilience, improves mood, and lays the foundation for lifelong wellness.
Make it fun but achievable—pick something you enjoy, like dancing, yoga, or a brisk walk in your neighborhood. Pair your activity with a favorite playlist, podcast, or even a friend to keep it engaging. Soon enough, your daily movement will feel less like a task and more like a treat for your body and mind.

Commitment 2: Find Your Go-To Routine

Your “minimum” is the baseline that ensures you stay consistent, even on the busiest days. A quick stretch, a few deep breaths, or a short walk can still help you build momentum and maintain a healthy rhythm. This commitment is about creating a simple, repeatable habit that fuels your mind and body without feeling overwhelming.
Identify the smallest activity that feels doable even on your hardest days. Write it down and commit to doing it daily—rain or shine. Celebrate small wins as you complete each day, reinforcing the idea that consistency beats perfection every time.

Commitment 3: Choose a Space That Inspires Action

Having a dedicated place for your routine removes distractions and sets the stage for consistency. It could be a corner of your living room, a spot in the park, or even your office. This space becomes your personal sanctuary where focus, energy, and positivity come together.
Start by decluttering and personalizing your chosen space to make it inviting and functional. Add elements that motivate you—like a yoga mat, weights, or calming candles. Commit to using this space every day, letting it anchor your habit and amplify your commitment.

Commitment 4: Build a Routine You Can Fall In Love With

The best routine isn’t the longest or most intense—it’s the one that works for you. A routine that fits into your lifestyle ensures you’re consistent and balanced. It’s about crafting a rhythm that aligns with your energy, priorities, and goals.
Experiment with timing to see what feels natural—whether it’s a morning walk, lunchtime stretch, or evening yoga. Create cues to remind yourself, like laying out workout clothes or setting an alarm. As your routine becomes second nature, you’ll feel more in control of your time and health.

Commitment 5: Cheer Yourself On Every Day—Or Better Yet, Spot Yourself With A Buddy

Acknowledging your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and optimistic. Celebrating reinforces positive behaviors, making it easier to stick with your commitments. Adding a buddy to cheer you on or celebrate your victories together can amplify that motivation, turning your efforts into shared triumphs. Over time, these moments of recognition—whether solo or with a partner—build confidence and remind you that every step forward matters.
At the end of each day, reflect on what you achieved and give yourself a heartfelt pat on the back. Share your progress with a trusted friend, workout buddy, or accountability partner who can help you celebrate your wins. Create mini traditions together, like sharing motivational messages or planning a fun reward for reaching milestones, turning progress into a shared, uplifting experience.

Now that you have these commitments, it’s time to put them into action. Start small, stay consistent, and let each step build momentum toward your bigger goals. You’ve got the tools—now go make them work for you. The results are waiting, and so is the satisfaction of knowing you put your well-being first by dedicating time to self-care and growth.

If this article has sparked even the smallest shift—whether it’s starting something new or refining what you already do—we’re thrilled it found its way to you. Every little push, every small win, adds up to something extraordinary over time. Sharing these ideas was worth it if it helped you make even one positive change. Let’s keep building, growing, and celebrating the progress we make, step by step.

You can do this!

🪂 Every big adventure starts with a tiny thought that grows. Imagine your "maybe" transforming into a solid "yes" in just one heartbeat—because that’s all it takes sometimes. We've felt it too: that incredible shift when a small idea gains enough momentum to become something extraordinary. Let this be your moment to run with that spark and see where it takes you!

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