How often should I workout?

[MaxDSP]

I started working out again 3-4 months ago. First couple of months, I worked out 6 days a week, each day focusing on a different muscle group. Lately Ive been taking 2 days off, SUndays and Wednesdays. But as time drags on and winter comes, Im not going to feel like going 5 days a week to workout. What is the minimum number of days I should workout?

 

[Shantanu]

2

 

[mithrandir2001]

If you are working out strictly for health reasons, just 30 minutes a session, 3 times a week is sufficient.

It's probably best to work out more frequently with shorter sessions than having infrequent "weekend warrior" type workouts. 6 times a week is unnecessary, though.

 

[mrchan]

if you're just trying to 'stay' healthy, 2 days a week should do it.

 

[MaxDSP]

<< If you are working out strictly for health reasons, just 30 minutes a session, 3 times a week is sufficient.

It's probably best to work out more frequently with shorter sessions than having infrequent "weekend warrior" type workouts. 6 times a week is unnecessary, though. >>




My usual workout session consists of 1-1.5 hours of weight training and weight machines followed by 15 minutes on a stairmaster or 30 minutes on a treadmill, followed by 200 abs crunches. I usually try to do at least 10 exercises for the muscle group for that day but some say it might be overkill. any thoughts?

 

[MaxDSP]

<< if you're just trying to 'stay' healthy, 2 days a week should do it. >>



hehe, I wish. I gotta get in shape first by losing 20-25 pounds.

 

[Nemesis77]

Work out? BAH! Look at me! I never work out, and I got muscles of steel!



























It's just hiding under this layer of fat

 

[kikokam]

wow... if you're just working out for health reasons, you're overkilling yourself with so much exercising each day
3 days/week is enough

 

[MaxDSP]

<< Work out? BAH! Look at me! I never work out, and I got muscles of steel!

It's just hiding under this layer of fat >>



That's what I tell people too




<< wow... if you're just working out for health reasons, you're overkilling yourself with so much exercising each day >>



Well, I run or use the stairmaster and do abs for health reasons...I workout to build muscle by turning the fat into muscle. If only there were an easier way...

 

[Rarr]

It depends alot on how much time you spend working out. IMHO I would say four days at the least.

 

[bigshooter]

If you want to lower the amount of days, lift your normal workout 3days a week instaed of 6, then on the other days just do crunches and stretching. I do this in the summer a lot more because in winter there is nothing else to do. Maybe go for a swim or do calves or something different. Try working your abs every day, it will save your back later on. I'm 22 with a herniated disc and pinched nerve in my lower spine. Ab workouts along with swimming are teh only things that allow me to live somewhat normally.