
Categories / HIIT & conditioning
Featured in: 10-minute workouts, No-equipment home workouts, Exercise for busy people, Exercise in a small flat
7-Minute Workout
Twelve bodyweight exercises of 30 seconds each.
How to start
Do 12 simple moves (such as jumping jacks, wall sit, push-ups, squats, plank) for 30 seconds each with 10 seconds rest, in one 7-minute circuit.
How to progress
Repeat the circuit twice, add pace or harder moves, and train on most days.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular format. It is a short bodyweight circuit, so it combines elements of strength and interval training for which there is some general evidence, but not for the circuit as a whole.
Take care: Use low-impact options if you have knee, hip or back problems. Skip jumping if you have joint pain.
Sources
12-week starter plan
Short sessions, 3 to 5 days a week.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 6 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Swap in easier versions.
- Keep a steady pace.
- Pair it with walking.
Common mistakes
- Rushing with bad form.
- Doing the same moves forever.
- Ignoring joint pain.
Kit and cost
Free Approximate UK prices.
- A chair and wall
- A mat
- A free timer app
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 minutes enough?
It helps, especially if you do little now. Combine with walking for more benefit.
What moves are included?
Typically jumping jacks, wall sit, push-ups, crunches, step-ups, squats, triceps dips, plank, high knees, lunges, push-up with rotation and side plank.
Can I do it daily?
Yes, at an easy to moderate effort.
Good for: Weight loss Heart & fitness
Compare with similar options
| 7-Minute Workout | Circuit Training | Boot Camp | EMOM Workouts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 7 min × 5/wk | 45 min × 3/wk | 45 min × 3/wk | 30 min × 3/wk |
| Effort | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ |
| Cost | Free | Low cost | Moderate cost | Low cost |
| Equipment | No equipment | Basic kit | Basic kit | Basic kit |
| Impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Medium impact | Medium impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Some fitness | Some fitness | Some fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |