My 7 DAYS active: Martin Laumann Ylven

Posted posted on November 17, 2025

At 7 DAYS Active, we believe an active life is about more than movement — it’s a mindset. Rooted in our core values of BODY, MIND, and SOUL, we’re launching “My 7 DAYS Active” — a new monthly series on our social platforms.

We invite our community to share how they stay active throughout the week — from workouts to moments of mindfulness. It’s all about living with intention, balance, and energy, every day.

This month we have asked former ice hockey player and coach, Martin Laumann Ylven, about everything from his workout routine to how he stays motivated to keep moving.

What is your go-to workout/activity?

My go-to workout at the moment is running. It used to be more weight lifting but lately I have fallen more and more into the joy of running.

What does your active week look like?

I train 7 days a week, but I don’t follow a plan. If I feel like running on a Monday I do that, if I’m feeling like pushing weights then I do that. I love to work out but not to follow a plan.

How do you stay motivated to keep moving every day?

I don’t believe in only motivation, that will always come and go. Discipline is the only thing that you can trust, and that is also the reason that I have never skipped a workout.

What role does being active play in your overall well-being?

For me being active is everything, it sets my mood for the day, week and life. I have always needed to work out to feel mental stability and to be happy with myself.

Do you prefer to work out alone or together with others—and why?

I have a very busy schedule in my job so I would like to be able to work out more with friends cause I like the extra push you get from working out in a group, but it fits better for me to work out mostly by myself.

What is your favorite place to be active?

I have always liked the gym the most. It doesn’t matter if it’s running, lifting or anything else. The gym environment gets me going more than the outdoors. Only other options, I like running outside in the sun in Summer.

How do you balance being active with rest and recovery during the week?

Honestly, I don’t. I have always done too much. But when you’re getting older, you need a bit more recovery so I only drink alcohol once or twice a year and try to sleep 7-8 hours a night. But other than that, I run on all cylinders at all times.