In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time for a workout can be a challenge. However, for those looking to shed excess pounds and boost their fitness, we’ve created a 7-minute workout you can squeeze into your schedule regardless of how busy you are.
This time-efficient regimen gives you a considerable calorie burn and provides a full-body workout in just seven minutes.
The 7-Minute Workout: A Brief Overview
The 7-minute workout, also known as the Scientific 7-Minute Workout or the High-Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) workout, was developed by exercise scientists as a quick and efficient way to improve fitness and burn calories. It consists of 12 different exercises, each performed for 30 seconds with a 10-second rest between exercises. These exercises are designed to target various muscle groups and get your heart rate up, resulting in an intense and effective workout in a very short time.
The actual time it takes to complete the 7-minute workout is eight minutes and 30 seconds as one of the exercises in the circuits involves performing reps on both sides of your body.
Getting Started with the 7-Minute Workout
Here’s how to get started with the 7-minute workout:
1) Consult Your Physician
Before beginning any new exercise routine, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns.
2) Choose A Timer
You can use a smartphone app or a stopwatch to time your intervals and rests during the workout. There are many apps specifically made for the 7-minute workout.
3) Find A Suitable Space
Clear a space in your home or office where you can move freely without obstructions.
4) Warm-Up
Spend a few minutes warming up with light aerobic exercises like jogging in place or jumping jacks. Warming up helps prevent injury and prepares your body for high-intensity exercises.
5) Execute The 7-Minute Workout
Perform each of the 12 exercises for 30 seconds, with a 10-second rest between each. The exercises are typically performed in the following order:
- Jumping jacks
- Wall sit
- Push-ups
- Abdominal crunches
- Step-ups
- Squats
- Triceps dips
- Plank
- High knees
- Lunges
- Push-ups with rotation
- Side plank
6) Cool Down
After completing the workout, spend a few minutes cooling down with gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.
7) Consistency Is Key
Having a balanced diet helps with weight loss.
Aim to perform the 7-minute workout at least three to four times a week for optimal results. Combine it with a well-balanced diet for optimal weight loss and fitness gains.
Additional Tips
- Progressive Overload: As you become more comfortable with the 7-minute workout, you can increase the intensity by adding more rounds or incorporating weights into some exercises. The advanced 7-minute workout involves using dumbbells to make the exercises more challenging
- Listen To Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. Consider modifying or omitting specific exercises if you experience pain or discomfort beyond normal muscle fatigue
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for any workout. Drink water before, during, and after the workout to stay energized and prevent dehydration
- Rest And Recovery: Ensure you get adequate rest and recovery between workouts. This will help you avoid overtraining and reduce the risk of injury
The Science Behind The 7-Minute Workout
The 7-minute workout is grounded in scientific principles that emphasize high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and full-body functional movements. This combination of cardiovascular exercises and resistance training delivers several benefits that contribute to its calorie-burning potential.
1) HIIT
High-intensity interval training involves alternating between short bursts of intense activity and brief recovery periods. This method has been shown to elevate heart rate, increase calorie burn, and improve cardiovascular fitness. The 7-minute workout’s structured intervals maximize the effectiveness of HIIT.
The workout incorporates a variety of exercises, such as jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, and planks. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, increasing energy expenditure and promoting muscle development.
3) Efficiency
The 7-minute workout’s concise structure minimizes rest periods and transitions, ensuring that participants stay engaged and maintain a high level of intensity throughout the routine.
4) Post-Exercise Calorie Burn
High-intensity workouts, like the 7-minute workout, can elevate your metabolic rate even after you’ve completed the session. This phenomenon is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and can lead to additional calorie burn.
Benefits Of The 7-Minute Workout
The 7-minute workout offers a multitude of benefits, making it a popular option for those seeking to burn calories and improve overall fitness.
1) Efficiency
Do exercises that always target your full-body for high efficiency.
The most apparent advantage is its brevity. In just seven minutes, you get a full-body workout, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules.
2) Calorie Burn
Due to its high-intensity nature, the 7-minute workout can help you burn a significant number of calories in a short time. While the exact calorie burn varies from person to person, it’s not uncommon to torch 100-200 calories or more during the workout.
3) Weight Loss
When combined with a healthy diet, the 7-minute workout can contribute to weight loss. The calorie deficit created by this workout can help you shed excess pounds over time.
Regular participation in this workout can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing endurance, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
5) Muscle Development
Full-body workout helps to build muscles gradually.
While not a substitute for traditional strength training, the 7-minute workout can help build lean muscle mass due to its use of bodyweight resistance exercises.
6) Convenience
No need for a gym or special equipment – you can perform the 7-minute workout in the comfort of your home or while traveling.
Give The 7-Minute Workout A Try
The 7-minute workout is a fantastic tool for burning calories and improving overall fitness. While it may not replace longer, more comprehensive workout routines, it offers an efficient and effective solution for those with busy schedules or those just getting started on their fitness journey. Remember that consistency is key, and combining this workout with a balanced diet can lead to significant improvements in your health and fitness.
So, whether you’re looking to boost your cardiovascular fitness, shed a few pounds, or keep up with an active lifestyle, the 7-minute workout is a valuable addition to your fitness regimen.
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