“I would love to work out more, but I really don’t have the time…”
Common enough excuse, and a legit one for many people. Today, everyone from unskilled labor to salaried business professionals are working long hours, most of them too exhausted when they get home to even think about working out.
Working at home or in a flexible startup office environment should make it really, really easy to work out though, right? Sure, the same way that it should make it really easy to eat healthy. What was the last thing you ate while working? If you answered Ramen, cereal, or any other processed carb, chances are you’re in the same boat as most of us: overworked and under-exercised.
You Really Are Busy
I totally get it and don’t worry, you are in a judgement-free zone. The thing is that working out isn’t just good for your love life / dating prospects. It’s a crucial part of staying on top of your game mentally. What about 7 minutes? Could you fit in a seven minute workout into your schedule? (Before you answer, think about the amount of time you’ve already spent watching cat videos or reading nostalgia blog posts today.) There is an app that promises to help you in the battle of the bulge, with high-intensity circuit training in seven minute intervals. It’s call 7MIN.
In the spirit of full disclosure, the jury is still out a bit on the merits of high intensity circuit training. The general consensus seems to be okay with the idea that short bursts of (you guessed it) high intensity exercises paired with lower impact moves and positions actually offer health benefits on par with exercising for longer periods of time.
Some health professionals feel that running, jogging, and biking for 40 minutes or longer is still the way to go, but research published last year in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal suggests otherwise.
Time Management App For Your Workout? YES!
I am a sucker for scientific data that supports my otherwise previously unsubstantiated beliefs. I couldn’t be happier that I now have actual proof to backup my long-standing opinion that a little exercise is better than no exercise. The evidence suggests that a 7 Minute Workout may just be able to help folks boost their metabolism, increase muscle tone, and even lose weight.
Both the website (7-min.com) and the app (for iPad and iPhone) act as timers for the bursts of exercises found to make those 7 minutes really count. The only things users need are:
- 7 minutes
- Computer or iOS device
- A chair
- Basic knowledge of form and postures
- Tolerance for discomfort
So the 7 minutes thing is awesome, as is not having to pay tons of money for a gym membership, but that doesn’t mean that all of this awesomeness doesn’t come at a price. Sweat and maybe some tears were the cost of admission for me when I tried it. The intensity (read discomfort) level should register at about an 8 to be effective.
The good news is that the app guides you along these painful couple of minutes with a timer and a visual of what you should be doing. It rotates between 30 seconds of intense working out to 10 seconds of something to let you catch your breath. The app also lets you pause or skip exercises. Users can opt to have their workout narrated so they don’t have to keep looking at their phone or computer screen, (it’s also Apple TV friendly, FYI). They also let you share how you are doing via FB and Twitter, which they claim keeps people motivated… your call on that one.
Days have a way of flying by when you are in our line of work. The 7 Minute Workout Timer offers an option for people who need to get their blood pumping while juggling a bunch of other obligations. Is it for everyone? Probably not. Do I feel like I hacked my workout quota without sacrificing crucial work time? That would be a resounding “Yes!”
