One of the common mistakes rookies make in the gym is that they often equate length of workout to progress. When it comes to the gym, it is not the total time spent but the time spent engaging in training that facilitates growth.
Over time we’ve been made to believe the more time you spend on something, the better you become. While that is true for various aspects of our lives, it isn’t really applicable in the workout and fitness world. The length of a workout does not reflect the effectiveness of the workout. Put simply, just because a workout session lasts three hours doesn’t make it better or effective than a 20-minute intense session.
So it begs the question, how long do you need to work out in order to see results?
What Is The Right Workout Length?
There is really no general set length for everyone. Each person has their appropriate workout length and frequency. Mind you, these depend on factors such as; age, training experience, targets, method of approach, and lots more. So, there are too many factors in play to give a single time span of how long anyone should work out.
Just because you spend hours in the gym doesn’t mean you are getting the best out of your training. Honestly, you should be less concerned about the length of your workout and more concerned if you are training efficiently and effectively. This means you have to focus on working hard, improving your last workout, boosting your reps, reducing your resting time, and more.
The only time you need to factor in your workout duration is when you have limited workout time. In such scenarios, you need to take advantage of every second. So that means fewer rests and more intensity. Rather than spending time worrying about the length of your workout, use that time to buckle down, work, and improve on your last workout.
Even if you have an entire gym to yourself 24/7, 365days a year, try to take each session like your last and improve on your previous levels.
Final Words On Workout Length
Irrespective of varying factors, training experiences, individual targets, and goals, below are some of the general tips regarding workout length
- For muscle growth and enhancing body composition, lift heavy weights 3-4 times a minimum of 5-6 hours.
- For removing body fat, carry out resistance training, and add 1-2 hours of cardio. Don’t forget, nutrition plays a crucial role in your weight loss program or muscle gain program. Watch what you eat at all times. The calories we burn from exercise make up a small amount of the entire energy output daily.
- Ensure you get at least a day’s rest each week to aid recovery and minimize your risk of burnout.
When it comes to knowing how long you should work out, the answer depends on many factors. First things first, there is no uniform time on how long anyone should workout. Look for what works best for you, and consistently improve on your numbers. When it comes to general fitness and work workouts, think about efficiency and effectiveness.
