How Much is Too Much???

kargesa
kargesa Posts: 13 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey there!

So I have recently started working out regularly and I am wondering how much is too much? Specifically, how much cardio is too much? I'm asking because I tend to get over excited when I start a new project and I think I may be going a little overboard. I've heard that if you work out too much you actually start burning off muscle. Is that true???

Any help you could provide would be greately appreciated!

Replies

  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I've heard that if you work out too much you actually start burning off muscle. Is that true???
    I don't know how much is too much, but if you're concerned with burning muscle, can you switch one or two of your cardio days to a weight training/strength training day?
  • Showcase_Brodown
    Showcase_Brodown Posts: 919 Member
    "Too much" is going to be a very fuzzy line here depending on who you are and what your goals are, but spending hours everyday doing cardio is probably too much in my book. Make sure to incorporate some rest, and consider switching a couple cardio days to lifting days. If you are losing weight, eat lots of protein and do strength training to help retain your muscle. You want the weight lost to be mostly fat.
  • shayleac
    shayleac Posts: 76 Member
    About 2 hours a day should be tops unless it is split up throughout the day.
  • Hexahedra
    Hexahedra Posts: 894 Member
    Your liver and muscles have enough glycogen to fuel about 2-3 hours of exercise. If you push beyond the point of glycogen depletion, your body will start to metabolize mostly fat and some protein (by breaking down your muscle tissues).
  • Terpnista84
    Terpnista84 Posts: 517 Member
    Don't overexercise. I made that mistake early on spending up to 2 hours in the gym. As long as you have an effective workout (not a long one necessarily and your diet is good, you will be fine).

    If you work out a lot, you are setting a high standard for yourself and it will be harder for you to keep it up.
  • vickaged
    vickaged Posts: 13 Member
    I do an hour before work and an hour after work plus 2 hours on Saturday. Sunday is a rest day. I also do strength training 3x a week with my trainer. It's working for me!
  • kargesa
    kargesa Posts: 13 Member
    Thanks everyone for the responses! I was definitely doing too much and would have eventually burned out and been really disappointed in myself.

    I’m going to aim for 1 hour before work and 1 hour after work which will include lifting three times a week. Sound reasonable?

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