How Often Should I Work Out?
A new client of mine posed a very interesting question:
“Outside of training, how often should I work out?”
There is really no good answer for this—because everyone is on their own fitness journey.
But here’s what I said:
If you’re just starting out, or you’re a newbie to the whole exercise routine, then once a week is better than nothing.
Although once a week may not do anything to rapidly change your body, it’s going to help build the foundation you need to maintain a great exercise routine.
And this is a great thing.
If you’re used to exercising—or you’re not a complete newbie—then you should focus on getting in at least 2 to 3 days each week.
This may be very different than what other health clubs are trying to sell you on. They may tell you that you need to work out every day—or at least 5 days a week to really see results.
Is this true?
Unfortunately, it’s not—especially if you’re new to exercise. Going from the couch to exercising 5 days a week is an unreasonable demand to place on your body.
Not only are you pushing your body too hard, and too fast...you could suffer an injury, therefore halting the progress on your workout. You can also get burned out. That’s never good when you are trying to reach all of your health and fitness goals.
Now, as you get stronger, and you become more experienced at exercise, you can start playing with various programming and exercise options.
But for you right now, just starting out, the best recommendation is to start off slowly—and increase duration, frequency, and intensity as you become more comfortable with your program and routine.
The take home message on how often you should workout—especially if you’re new to exercise--is:
Start off slow. Focus on 1 to 2 days a week at first, then progress to 2 to 3 days a week. Be sure to include cardiovascular work, and a short strength training circuit targeting the major muscles in your body, and a flexibility program.
Remember, there is really no magic number to how many days you should workout. A slow, steady, and gradual approach to exercise will 1) prevent injuries from occurring, and 2) prevent burnout from your workout program.
Follow this simple approach, and you should see some pretty great changes occur in your body.
Coach Aaron
P.S.: Whenever you're ready... here are 4 ways I can help you:
Let's Talk About Your Goals. Most gyms want you to simply adapt to their program, but I want to help you achieve your goal is the best possible way for you. If you'd like to get on a personal call and discuss what you'd like to achieve and get my help in developing a plan to get you there, I'm happy to get on a free coaching call to help. Just reply with 'Call' in the subject line and we'll get it set up.
Train With Me...For FREE. If you'd like to come in for a free training session...1 on 1 or group...I'd love to have you in as my guest. Training somewhere new can be out of someone's comfort zone, so I want to make it as easy as possible for you to see if this is the best place for you to reach your goals. Just reply with 'Train' in the subject line and we'll figure out what type of session you'd enjoy most and when coming in would be convenient for you.
Try My '28 Days To Look & Feel Great' Program. I'm going to be taking a few new clients through a 28 day program to help them look and feel great as they get back into a routine this Fall. If you'd be interested in learning more, reply and put '28' in the subject line.
I have FREE Open Office Hours during the week where you can call in and speak to me about your goals. The call is just 15 minutes out of your week, but the insights you’ll discover could impact you for a lifetime! To schedule your FREE consultation, reply and put 'Call' in the subject line.