Does the 7-Minute Workout Actually Work?

Stephanie Smith
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How to Do the 7-Minute Workout 

Whether you're working out for 7 minutes or going hard for just one minute, research suggests that shaving time off of your workout can do wonders--as long as you give it your all. 

Donovan Green, author of No Excuses Fitness and personal trainer to Dr. Oz, agrees. 

"The average American gets an F when it comes to getting in the recommended amount of exercise, and more than 70 percent are suffering from metabolic issues," he says. "An intense 7-minute workout boosts adrenaline, burns calories, increases blood flow, fires up metabolism, reduces stress, increases energy and even improves brain function." 

And most importantly--it's easy to squeeze in the middle of your commitments, so you'll probably stick with it. 

Ready to give it a go? Try this classic 7-minute workout to get started. All you need is a chair.

Jumping Jacks: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Wall Sit: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Push-ups: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Crunches: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds rest
Step-Ups (onto chair): 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds rest
Squats: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Tricep Dips (using chair): 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Plank: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
High-Knees/Running in Place: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Lunges: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Push-up and Side-Rotation: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest
Side Plank: 30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest

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