Like millions of people, I’ve got “get in shape” at the top of my resolution list this year, but not a ton of time to spare. So while I figure out if I’m going to join the gym or start running again, I decided to give the 7 Minute Workout App a try.

I mean, I’ve got 7 minutes a day. Maybe. Sometimes. So why not? But can 7 minutes really make any sort of difference? Well, I’ve been trying it for the last week and I have to say, I’m very pleasantly pleased. Now there are a lot of free 7-minute workout apps, but surprise! In order to get the tracking, and the actual countdowns (which I think are helpful), you have to upgrade to the pro version. So, I’d suggest you go right ahead and buy the $1.99 app.

Once you download (and please, consult a physician before you start any exercise as all good disclaimers tell you), the app is pretty simple. You get a series of movements meant to be performed for 30 seconds each with only a 10-second break in between. And by the way, the order you perform them is essential, though you do have the option of switching the order up, as well as changing your rest time and your exercise time, even though it’s not recommended.

I like that they’re all pretty common movements–crunches, jumping jacks, planks–but it’s because you’re doing them in rapid succession with a little down time that makes them so effective. You should definitely push yourself as much as you can to maximize the effects. It’s very similar to Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred, except shorter, no weights, and no mean person yelling at you. Ha.

Once you’re done with the 7 minutes, you get a little cheer from the app, plus your efforts are recorded and tracked on a calendar. And if you’re feeling daring, you can repeat the series as many times as you want which is great considering 15 or even 21 minutes at a time isn’t too hard to squeeze in.

I can’t say that after doing it for a week I dropped a lot of pounds, but my clothes fit better, and I’m sore, which means I must be working something right. My kids even like to do the workouts with me. But even better,  after doing the 7 minutes each day for a week, I’m really motivated to make more exercise time for myself. Hopefully I keep it going. -Kristen

You can download the 7-minute workout challenge app on iTunes for $1.99. There are other similar 7-minute workout apps on Google Play, though I didn’t give those a test run.