ExerciseExplorer
A woman doing a wall sit at home

Categories / HIIT & conditioning

7-Minute Workout

Twelve bodyweight exercises of 30 seconds each.

Typical session7 min × 5/wk
Effort●●●○○ Moderate
CostFree
EquipmentNo equipment
WhereAt home
SocialSolo
ImpactMedium impact
AgesTeens, Adults 18-49, 50-69
CommitmentEasy to stick with

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.

0 of 12 weeks done

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.

0calories per session
0calories per week
0minutes per week
0% of the 150-minute weekly guideline

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 WorkoutCircuit TrainingBoot CampEMOM Workouts
Typical session7 min × 5/wk45 min × 3/wk45 min × 3/wk30 min × 3/wk
Effort●●●○○●●●○○●●●●○●●●●○
CostFreeLow costModerate costLow cost
EquipmentNo equipmentBasic kitBasic kitBasic kit
ImpactMedium impactMedium impactMedium impactMedium impact
Fitness neededAny levelSome fitnessSome fitnessSome fitness
Evidencelimitedlimitedlimitedlimited