As a gym rat and running enthusiast I have to say, working out for less than one hour has
never felt like enough of a workout. I know that it’s not about the time, it’s the quality of the workout that really matters but we are constantly being told we need to be active for a minimum of 30 minutes every day just to maintain a relatively decent health.
So where did the 7-minute workout come from? And seriously, what can you achieve in 7 minutes?
The story of the 7-minute workout seems to have come out of The American College of Sports Science. It is a scientifically based high-intensity circuit training workout using body weight. The approach combines aerobic and resistance training into a single exercise bout lasting approximately 7 minutes.
My Reality: Having tried and tested out the 7-minute workout for the past 2 weeks, doing workouts between 7 and 21 minutes long (1 – 3 circuits) I can honestly say I have achieved some decent results:
- Abs are beginning to appear again – thank you!!! It’s been a while and there is still some work to do but by combining this workout with my gym sessions and weekly runs the desired abs are on the horizon J
- My short distance runs feel easier. I am only running once or twice a week for 4-5 miles per run but my times have been faster with no effort to up the pace and I am pretty certain it’s that mix of explosive and strengthening work in the 7-minute workout that has had an impact.
- The 21-minute workout feels much harder than an hour in the gym – OMG! Although I opted for the HARD level I thought, being 21 minutes, it would be okay… mmmm, well, no point in doing it if I don’t challenge myself right? And I am saving time.
What I love most about this workout is:
- It’s free! You can download an app to your phone so no excuses. Take your kit and get the workout done – simple.
- I can fit in 7 minutes any day of the week and 21 minutes most. No more ‘I just couldn’t get to the gym’ syndrome.
- I can do it at home or, when I’m travelling, in my hotel room. No equipment required other than my trainers – sweet joy!
Highly recommended if you like to get more done in less time and highly recommended if you want to mix up your routine.
Check out some 7-minute workout app reviews at Narrato and the official 7-minute workout app by Johnson & Johnson.
Because I’m ‘Appy… Have fun, get fit!
