Use the '2-Minute Rule' to Start Exercising

The Problem

You plan to work out for 45 minutes, feel overwhelmed, and skip it entirely.

The Hack

Tell yourself: 'I'll just do 2 minutes.' Put on your shoes. Do 2 minutes of any movement. If you want to stop after 2 minutes, you can. Most days you won't.

Why It Works

The hardest part of exercise isn't the workout — it's starting. The 2-minute rule eliminates the activation energy barrier. Once moving, 80% of people continue beyond the minimum.

Pro Tips

• Put on workout clothes — that's your 2-minute commitment
• 2 minutes of stretching counts
• The goal isn't 2 minutes — it's building the starting habit
• After 2-3 weeks, starting becomes automatic