It’s been seven years since I kicked off my morning workout routine. The spark? Hiroyuki Kobayashi’s book ‘If You Want to Walk Until You Die, Do Squats.’ The title pretty much sums it up—no need to actually read it (I mean it!).
Though I love lounging, I’m uncertain if I want to walk till my last breath. But, not being able to walk when I want? That sounds a bit sad. So I thought, ‘I better squat.’ It didn’t seem too hard. I started by doing five sets of ten squats right after waking up. It was tough at first, but I got the hang of it. Over time, I added more exercises, crafting a mix of around five different workouts.
The crazy thing is—despite not being someone who sticks to things—I haven’t skipped a single day. Be it travel, business trips, or illness, I stuck with my morning routine. Seven years of consistency feels surreal. It doesn’t even feel like my own story. Through COVID, car accidents, and sprained ankles, I never stopped. Sure, some days were tough, but I pushed through. 💪
Reading this, I might seem like a relentless person, but truthfully, this is the only thing I’ve ever stuck with. I’m not a planner. I just go with the flow. This morning workout wasn’t about suffering to reach a goal. If it were, I would’ve quit. I never aimed for six-pack abs. I just thought, ‘Why not try squats if it means walking till I die?’ So, in my groggy morning haze, I began exercising almost instinctively. By the end, as clarity returned, I’d think, ‘I really didn’t want to do this.’ But it’s done, and now I consider it one of the best decisions of my life. 💖
Let me break down this simple routine for you:
First, I use a medium barbell, doing four sets of 40 reps in various positions. Since my brain isn’t awake yet, I don’t really feel the strain. 😅
Next, I do four sets of 25 squats. As my mind clears, the temptation to stop creeps in. 🏋️♀️
Right after squats, I move to a 2-minute plank, followed by a 1-minute set. Transitioning from standing to planking feels like progress, but once in position, it’s like standing at the gates of hell. 🔥
Next up, 40 plank hip twists. Since it’s so challenging, I count one side as one, making it feel like a win. It’s a lucky trick! 🎲 I bet even Jang Wonyoung might do 40 (actually 20) of these.
Then, just 20 push-ups. By this point, 20 feels like a mountain. But I push through because stopping means the workout is over. 🚀
Feeling exhausted, I do 20 tricep dips, feeling like I’m collapsing to the floor. My mind tricks me into thinking I’m resting. 💤
Finally, I wrap up with 50 glute kickbacks on each side. By now, I’m usually fuming. ‘Why 50?’ I sometimes stop at 40, wondering why I set it so high. Even now, I can’t figure out why 50 seemed like a good idea. 🤔
Once you try it, you’ll find it’s more bearable than you think. Give it a shot!
Leave a Reply