When I moved to Michigan last Memorial Day weekend, I relied on biking and walking for exercise because I could get out the door in the morning for a quick aerobic spin in the neighboring forested wetlands with its winding bike trails or go for a quick walk at any time around my quiet condo center. But then the cold winter winds arrived and I stored my bike inside. I started stopping by my local shopping center regularly to get my aerobic exercise walking inside. My niece, Dr. Linda Holland (http://www.bridgeviewchiropractic.com), a chiropractor who endorses a national holistic program called Maximized Living, recommended a workout tape that promised full aerobics in 12 minutes a day.  I was skeptical, but decided it was worth trying, since the nearest Yoga Center meant several miles of commuting. Now that I rely on my car, not the New York subways, the high cost of gasoline truly impacts my budget. No longer could I walk just a few blocks to my favorite Brooklyn dojo, Midwood Martial Arts and work out with owners Alfred DiGrazia and Alison Morea, or a very special yoga guru, Lauren Tepper (www.midwoodmartialarts.com).

As spring finally returns to the Great Lakes area this month and I can get back on my bike, I can also report that the small investment in the MaxT3 tape and some equipment was worth it.  I stayed in shape, kept my weight under control and grew to enjoy the workouts.  I still am amazed at the concept that you can get so much fat burning from so little time, under a well-planned regimen. I plan to continue this program throughout the year, along with seasonal biking and also hope to fit in an occasional yoga class.

According to the website (http://maxt3.maximizedliving.com/), MaxT3 is based on the most cutting-edge exercise science called “metabolic conditioning.”  The website explains that this exercise system elicits a very unique hormonal response in the body and ultimately it is your hormones that influence your metabolism. Metabolic conditioning is characterized by short bursts of high intensity exercise. Therefore, in just minutes a day, the program promises that you can build muscle and burn fat like never before: Twelve minutes a day is all it takes to get in the shape of your life.

Don’t let the weather, the time, the cost of commuting, or a busy schedule stop you from getting the exercise you need to stay healthy.  Consider trying MaxT3 or another high intensity program you can do at home.  Every time I fill my gas tank, I appreciate it even more!