The 7-Minute Workout

Not enough time in a day to exercise?

This is one of the main complaints people have when it comes to staying fit, says Jeff Garvin, senior health and fitness coordinator at the Baystate Health Employee Fitness Center.

Recent studies suggest that short exercise routines, even for just seven minutes, are as beneficial as long, intense workouts.

In order for shorter workouts to be effective, exercises should be performed in rapid succession, allowing 30 seconds for each, while the intensity should be an 8 on a discomfort scale of 1-10.

If you are looking to firm up, these seven minutes should be intense. The upside is, after the quick workout, you’re done.

Experts call this type of workout high intensity circuit training. Doing short exercise routines using large muscle groups creates an aerobic effect that is extremely effective at improving aerobic fitness, boosting metabolism, and burning body fat.

BE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NEW EXERCISE PROGRAM.