Working out seven days a week sounds like a lot…that’s because it is. Not everyone can, or should, commit to such an intensive routine.
For one, working out at a high intensity daily can put a strain on your body, potentially leading to injuries if you’re not careful. It can also be difficult to maintain in the long run, leading to burnout and decreased motivation. Please note that if you’re not giving your body adequate rest, you’re not allowing it to recover and build muscle effectively.
But that’s not to say that a 7-day workout plan can’t work for some people. Combining the right balance of strength training, cardio, and active recovery can lead to impressive results without overtaxing your system.
Find answers to all your questions and doubts about whether or not a 7-day workout plan is the best choice for you in this comprehensive guide. Also, we’ll explore how you can tailor such a plan to fit your unique needs and goals.
What Is a 7-Day Workout Plan?
A 7-day workout plan is a weekly fitness routine that involves working out for seven days straight. It typically includes a combination of strength training, cardio, and active recovery exercises.
Typically, each day is dedicated to a specific muscle group or type of exercise, such as leg day, upper body strength training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This structure allows for targeting different areas of the body and helps prevent overtraining.
Is It Ok To Workout Seven Days a Week?
Yes, it’s okay to work out seven days a week if; you’re not a beginner, you have a well-structured plan, and you’re giving your body adequate rest and recovery time.
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To put things into perspective, let’s look at different training goals, and whether or not they can be achieved by working out 7 days a week:
Getting Started With Fitness
If you’re new to exercise, it’s best to start with a more manageable routine – ideally 2-3 days a week – and gradually increase the intensity and frequency as your fitness level improves.
A 7-day workout plan for beginners shouldn’t have daily workouts. Instead, it should focus on building a solid foundation and developing proper form before taking on a more demanding routine.
Check out this 7-Day At Home Workout Plan for inspiration to make your own beginner-friendly schedule.
For Weight Loss
To lose weight, you need to increase your caloric expenditure, this can be achieved by increasing activity levels reducing your caloric intake, or a combination of both (3).
A 7-day workout plan for weight loss can certainly help you achieve the first part by incorporating a mix of strength and cardio exercises.
Coupled with a nutrient-rich, calorie-controlled diet, it can lead to sustainable weight loss results (3). We have a sample plan for you to follow here: 7-Day Workout Plan for Weight Loss
For Muscle Building
Building lean muscle requires intense and consistent training, coupled with proper nutrition and rest (2). A 7-day workout plan to build muscle may not involve daily workouts.
Such a workout should be carefully structured to allow for targeted muscle groups to recover before being worked again. This may involve alternating between low and high-intensity workouts or incorporating active recovery days.
We give an example of such a targeted schedule in our 7-Day Workout Plan to Build Muscle.
Adequate rest is also essential for muscle growth (2), which means a 5-day workout schedule may be more effective for building muscle.
For Functional Fitness
Functional fitness focuses on improving your body’s ability to perform everyday activities. It requires a balanced mix of strength, mobility, and agility training (1).
A 7-day workout plan for functional fitness may include daily workouts but with different exercises targeting various aspects of physical function.
For example, a 7-day workout plan at home that has purely calisthenics (bodyweight) exercises can be effective for improving overall functional fitness. A 6-day gym workout schedule, with one day dedicated to a HIIT workout, can also be beneficial for functional fitness.
Read more: A Postpartum Workout Plan for Every Mom: Your Guide to Fitness After Baby
Is 7 Days Workout Effective?
Yes, a 7-day workout can be effective but is often unnecessary. Most fitness goals can be achieved with a well-structured 3-6 day routine, leaving room for rest and recovery. The risk of injuries and burnout increases with daily training, so you’re better off with a moderate approach.
However, if you have a specific deadline or event to prepare for, a 7-day workout plan may help accelerate your progress. It may also work for those with a highly active lifestyle or professional athletes who have the physical capacity and need for daily training.
Here are some general recommendations for an effective 7-day workout plan:
- Include at least two days of full-body strength training to build and maintain muscle mass.
- Aim for two to three days of cardio exercises to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories.
- Incorporate one or two days of active recovery exercises, such as yoga or stretching, to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
- Allow for at least one day of complete rest to give your body time to recover and recharge.
Remember to make adjustments as needed based on how your body is handling the routine. If you’re feeling fatigued or experiencing pain, take an extra rest day or modify your workouts accordingly.
What Is a Good Weekly Workout Schedule?
A good weekly workout schedule is one that is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and fitness level. It should also take into consideration the types of exercises you enjoy and are more likely to stick with in the long run.
That said, here’s a sample 7-day workout plan that can serve as a starting point for building your own schedule:
- Monday: Full-body strength training (45 minutes)
- Tuesday: Cardio – 30 minutes of running or cycling
- Wednesday: Active recovery – 20 minutes of yoga or stretching
- Thursday: Leg day – 45 minutes of lower body strength training
- Friday: Cardio – 30 minutes of HIIT workout or jump rope
- Saturday: Upper body strength training (45 minutes)
- Sunday: Rest day or light physical activity like walking or hiking.
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What Is The Best 7-Day Workout Routine?
The best 7-day workout routine based on various goals is as follows:
Best 7-Day Workout Routine for Weight Loss
- Monday: Full-body strength training (45 minutes)
- Tuesday: Cardio – 30 minutes of running or cycling
- Wednesday: Active recovery – 20 minutes of yoga or stretching
- Thursday: Leg day – 45 minutes of lower body strength training
- Friday: Cardio – 30 minutes of HIIT workout or jump rope
- Saturday: Upper body strength training (45 minutes)
- Sunday: Rest day or light physical activity like walking or hiking.
Best 7-Day Workout Routine for Muscle Building
- Monday: Chest and triceps strength training (45 minutes)
- Tuesday: Cardio – 30 minutes of running or cycling
- Wednesday: Rest day or active recovery exercises like yoga or stretching
- Thursday: Back and biceps strength training (45 minutes)
- Friday: Cardio – 30 minutes of HIIT workout or jump rope
- Saturday: Rest day or light physical activity
- Sunday: Full-body strength training (45 minutes)
Best 7-Day Workout Routine for Functional Fitness
- Monday: Lower body strength training and mobility exercises (45 minutes)
- Tuesday: Cardio – 30 minutes of running or cycling
- Wednesday: Active recovery – 20 minutes of yoga or stretching
- Thursday: Upper body strength training and agility drills (45 minutes)
- Friday: Cardio – 30 minutes of HIIT workout or jump rope
- Saturday: Rest day or light physical activity
- Sunday: Full-body calisthenics workout (45 minutes)
Read more: Simple Bikini Body Workout Plan At Home Just In Time for Summer
FAQs
What is a 7 7 7 Workout?
The 7 7 7 workout is a specific fitness routine that revolves around the number seven. The idea is to perform three sets of seven repetitions for each exercise, hence the name 7 7 7. This regimen is fantastic for those seeking to increase muscle strength and improve fitness levels. And, of course, the number seven itself adds a fun, unique twist to your normal workout routine.
What is a 7-Day Workout Split?
A 7-day workout split is a fitness plan that involves dividing your workouts over the course of seven days. Each day, you focus on different muscle groups or aspects of fitness—such as strength, cardio, or flexibility.
This approach helps to ensure a balanced training program that gives each muscle group adequate time to recover between sessions. Keep in mind that a seven-day split doesn’t always mean working out every day; rest days are just as important as workout days.
What is the 6 12 25 Workout?
The 6 12 25 workout is a high-intensity, high-volume training method that’s designed to challenge your muscles and boost your metabolism. Each workout consists of three exercises performed back-to-back with minimal rest.
You’ll do six reps of the first exercise, twelve of the second, and twenty-five of the third, hence the name 6 12 25. This regimen is a fantastic way to burn fat, increase muscle endurance, and take your fitness to the next level.
How Long Should a 7-Exercise Workout Take?
The length of a 7 exercise workout can vary greatly depending on your fitness level, the intensity of the exercises, and the amount of rest between sets. However, a good rule of thumb is to spend about 30 minutes to an hour on your workout.
This allows enough time for a thorough warm-up, each of the seven exercises, and a cool-down period. Remember, the focus should always be on the quality of your movements, not the quantity or speed.
The Bottom Line
A 7-day workout plan can be effective for achieving various fitness goals when done correctly with proper consideration for rest and recovery. However, it’s crucial to find a schedule that works best for you and your lifestyle in the long term.
And always remember to prioritize safety and listen to your body throughout your fitness journey. So, is a 7-day workout plan the best choice for you? With this guide, we hope you will have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
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SOURCES:
- Functional fitness, lifestyle and demographic factors as predictors of perceived physical and mental health in older adults: A structural equation model (2023,nih.gov)
- Maximizing Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review of Advanced Resistance Training Techniques and Methods (2019,nih.gov)
- Weight-Loss and Maintenance Strategies (2023,nih.gov)