It’s an easy question to ask, and sometimes you feel like you should be going to the gym more than you already are. This question is one whose answer lies solely in the goals and objectives of the individual. Are you trying to lose weight, build muscle mass, or just stay healthy?
How Often Should I Go to the Gym Weekly?
Going to the gym is one of the best ways to get in shape, but to see results, you need to be strategic with your workouts. According to experts, how often you should work out depends on what you want to achieve. If you’re trying to improve your health and wellness, three to five workouts per week will suffice.
Whatever the case may be, to gain muscles or to perform better in certain sports, one will have to increase one’s time in the gym to five or six days a week.
Notably, it is also very important to focus on the intensity and quality of workouts; thus, even three or four visits per week should not be an obstacle to trying your best and pushing yourself harder. With a little effort, you should be able to achieve the results you’re after.
How Long Should I Spend At the Gym?
Once again, this question is down largely to personal preference and your personal goals, but as a general guide, you should be looking at spending 45 minutes to an hour at the gym per session, 3-5 times per week.
Of course, you don’t need to overdo things if you’re just starting, so start with shorter 20-30-minute sessions and then gradually extend the time you spend in the gym. The nature of your workout will also be a determining factor, with weight training and lifting being much quicker than more lengthy cardio sessions.
How Much Cardio Do I Need Per Day?
For cardio, however, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, or a combination of both.
By the amount, it also means the length spent training, of course, depending on one’s goals. When cardio training aims at weight loss, spending of more time in training is highly recommended. On the other side, when the goals of an individual are aimed at improved general fitness, at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly should be good enough.
What Are the Advantages of Going to the Gym Regularly?
Many people go to the gym simply for physical fitness, but there are other less-recognized benefits that regular trips to the gym offer. For instance, one may be assured of an improvement in their mental health.
For one, the exercises engage the release of endorphins, which elevate an individual’s mood. In addition, the social environment at the gym will work to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Working out with friends and other gym enthusiasts brings a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. Lastly, the gym will help improve sleeping. Getting regular exercise helps regulate your sleep cycle; you are more likely to feel rested after having a workout than after staying up all night on the couch. In short, there are many excellent reasons to include the gym in your regular schedule.
Does Going to the Gym Regularly Bring Negative Rather than Positive Results?
Most who join the membership of the gym have one goal in mind: getting in shape. To attain that goal, they will need to put in some hard work at the gym. How much is too much, though? Can you go too often and see negative results instead of positive ones?
The sad answer to that is: yes. Though frequent exercises are significant in realizing the results sought, there is such a thing as overtraining. Overtraining implies not letting your body have recovery time between exercises. These can bring about cases of fatigue, injury, and sometimes even burnout.
If you find yourself at the gym daily or many times a day, you will likely need to back off that pace a little. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and fueling your body properly. And most importantly, listen to your body. If you’re feeling exhausted or sore, take a day or two off to recover.
How Often Should you Work Out?
The general rule of thumb is to work out in the gym 3-5 times a week, spending up to 45 minutes to an hour in the gym. Of course, for a beginner, you’re going to want to take it easy and not overexert yourself. A good starting method would be going 2-3 sessions a week until your body gradually accommodates the frequency.
