Is Seven Minutes Enough for a Workout?

Alexander Rothstein, Ed.D., exercise physiologist and assistant professor of interdisciplinary health sciences, is featured in a GQ article discussing whether seven-minute workouts are an effective form of exercise. Debuted in 2013, the seven-minute workout follows a high-intensity circuit training format and combines cardio and bodyweight resistance, like jumping jacks, squats, running in place, and lunges. Each movement is performed for 30 seconds, with 10-second transition periods between movements.

According to Rothstein, the format is great for cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic adaptations, and muscular endurance.

“It’s not a gimmick and any exercise is better than no exercise—particularly if it is at a high enough intensity to promote physiological change,” he says.