My alarm went off at 5:00 this morning. Not because I’m a morning person—I’m not. But because I made myself a promise: all workouts done by noon during these first rounds of the 7-40 Challenge.
An hour of exercise doesn’t happen by accident.
Eight years ago, I was in a hospital bed with a 13 cm tumor. Chemo. Surgery. Radiation. By God’s grace, I’m cancer-free. But that door? I don’t ever want it to open again.
So I get up. I move. I lift.
Today was my first free weight workout of the year—incline press, standing press, triceps work. My shoulders are already telling me tomorrow’s going to hurt. Good. That means it’s working.
Here’s what daily exercise gives me:
Mobility I can’t take for granted. At 47, I notice how quickly things tighten up. Daily movement keeps me loose and energized.
Strength for real life. Not just gym strength—the kind that lets me help around the house, take long walks, tackle whatever comes without hesitation.
A fighting chance. Exercise strengthens my body and acts as a defense against the illness I’ve already beaten. It’s a tool to help me fulfill my purpose: caring for my family and making a difference in the world.
Thomas Jefferson wrote to his nephew: “Give about two hours every day to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong.”
I’ll be honest—I’m carrying more weight than I should be…over 40 pounds more. That’s exactly why I’m committing to an hour daily right now. Once I’ve made progress, I’ll ease back to 30 minutes for maintenance.
For some, exercise is already solid and other areas need work. For me, this is a focal point.
The best time to start? Not Monday. Not next month. Today. The best time to start is NOW.
What’s your focal point in your own challenge? Drop a comment—let’s keep each other moving.
See you tomorrow for Day 6.
The 740 Challenge 