The 7 minute workout is a short but intense workout routine has received a lot of publicity, and it has even been covered in the Health & Fitness Journal by the American College of Sports Medicine. But is it really possible to lose fat, build up strength and get healthy and fit by exercising for just seven minutes a day?
What It is and What It Involves
The seven-minute program is essentially an intense workout routine, designed to make the most of a short amount of time. It involves 12 exercises performed for 30 seconds. There is a ten-second break between each exercise in the series, and the movements are done on a high level of intensity. The only props needed for performing the series are a wall and a chair, so it is possible to do the workout at home or in the office.
The 12 exercises include squats, push-ups and other intense movements. The advocates of the workout say that it gives you many of the benefits of endurance training, but you only need seven minutes a day to get the benefits. All interval training must also include recovery periods, and the ten-second rest gives your body that required recovery time. The exercises are designed to work on all the main muscle groups in the upper body and in the lower body.
The Benefits of the 7-Minute Work Out
The main benefits of the workout are:
- It works on both upper and lower body
- It builds up heart rate and boosts metabolism
- It can be done anywhere at any time
- It does not cost anything and you do not need expensive equipment
- It takes only seven minutes of your time
Research has shown that short but intense exercises have an effect on your overall health and fitness level. Intense bursts of exercise can stimulate the metabolism, build up the heart rate, make you sweat and help you to lose weight. Exercising daily, even for a short period of time, has many health benefits and will build up your strength and fitness fast.
Is It Really Effective?
The main criticism has been that while the workout brings some health benefits, the benefits have been overstated. Even if it is intense, working out for just seven minutes will not make an enormous impact. Some critics say that the workout would be more helpful if the circuit was repeated a few times, instead of just one. Two to three repetitions would still take less than half an hour, but they would add to the impact of the training. Ideally, the seven minutes would be combined with other types of exercises, or added into an existing and varied daily fitness routine.
Can Try the Seven Minute Routine?
The workout does not require any equipment, and it is suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness. If you have never exercised before, you might find the series very intense to begin with. It would be helpful to understand a little about safe exercise techniques before attempting the routine. A fitness professional or a personal trainer can help you train safely.
The program requires a lot of physical effort in a short period of time. It may not be suitable for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart problems. If you are thinking of adding these seven minutes to your daily routine, consult an experienced fitness training professional to see if it is suitable for you and how you can make the most of its benefits.