OK, here comes the confession… exercise and working out are still my biggest energy management challenges. I’ve owned an elliptical machine that barely got used. I had a membership to the YMCA that went through many cycles of active and ignored. I’ve tried different times of day, different types of activities, and enlisting others to motivate me.
Finally, I found something that allows me to get moving in a small and powerful chunk: the 7-Minute Workout! Apparently it’s a whole researched thing! Based on the concepts of High-Intensity Interval (or Circuit) Training, the 7-minute workout kicks my ass! (Yep, I’m THAT out of shape.)
But, it makes working out a small enough activity that there are virtually no excuses to avoid getting it done. I’ve figured out exactly where in my morning routine it fits (after starting the laundry & before breakfast *wink*.)
You can find the sequence of activities with just a quick google search (or by clicking the links above.) So, with just the timer on your phone (or anywhere else) you can do the entire workout… for free.
However, I decided to spring for the pricey $3 app that includes:
- Visuals of the exercises being done correctly both photos and video
- A built-in timer for both the 30-second exercises and the 10-second rest… which goes super quick!
- Verbal cues about which exercise comes next (essential since there’s barely enough time to get in position between exercises)
- Tracking of your workouts over time, so you can see your “streaks” built into the app.
- and the badges/gamification makes it a bit more fun.
It also has a version for Apple Watch (which I intend to use once I get that fun new toy :).)
Have you tried the 7-minute workout? Do you know someone who’s struggling to incorporate more exercise into their day like I have? Then share this with them, and make sure they find out how easy it could be to shift that pattern.
