7 minute workout

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

I try to run about 20/25mins 2-3 times a week, but I'm in such desperate need of toning that I was thinking of adding in a 7min workout at the end of a session. Does anyone do it? I can't really understand how it would work as a stand alone session, but it looks pretty good as an add on to what I'm doing now.

Are you talking about strength training after running? Which body parts?

I have heard of HIIT taking as few as 8 minutes, and I do know that science backs that up. Not as sure about strength training. Particularly as you are saying "toning" which I take to mean you want to see visible results.

But, yes, I think you can do a rapid circuit of upper-body muscles. You can do push ups, pull ups, tricep dips, and shoulder presses in rotation. To get the maximum benefit (and for speed), you'll want to move heavier weights fewer times, so you'd likely need some equipment.

Sorry, this is the one I meant - NY TImes piece that apparently started it all. It seems to be the new C25K, in that everyone is doing it, but I wasn't sure how 7 mins could be enough to be effective, bearing in mind I know nothing about this kind of thing.

Hmmm. Well, yes. But mostly as a form of cardio. It will have all the benefits of a longer cardio workout provided you work really, really hard, so hard you wish you could die.

For "toning" (which I take to mean you want to strengthen muscle) you would benefit more from lifting heavy weights. It doesn't have to take a really long time, but it does require some equipment, unless your own body weight is sufficient. And getting the form right may take a bit of teaching.

I tried it today after my run and it was grand, but I'm obviously incapable of the intensity it requires, it'd never replace a bootcamp for me!

I'm not that interested in lifting weights, I'll just have to keep up the body weight stuff and hope for the best. Thanks for the suggestion though.