Is exercising 6 days a work really necessary?
patriciahutchinson89
Posts: 89 Member
I go 5 days out of the week and I swear sometimes that seems to much. I have a half marathon training app and even that is set for 3 days out of the week (each week the length of the jog increases) A friend was telling me about weight training and switching each day. Abs on the first day, arms on the 2nd, abs again and so on and rest on Sunday but that's 6 days. I was also told by someone else abs is one of those things you can do every day and don't need to rest. When the before mention friend said the abdominal machine (has weighs on it) does indeed count as weigh training and I need to rest.
Really 6? I think for us past couch potatoes just starting out that seems a bit much. I should also mention I work 10 hour days 4 days out of the week, barely have enough time for anything as is.
Really 6? I think for us past couch potatoes just starting out that seems a bit much. I should also mention I work 10 hour days 4 days out of the week, barely have enough time for anything as is.
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3-5 days of physical activity is recommended.. you can do 6 days if you really want (or if you are doing a plan that calls for it).. it really is all about your deficit and your goals.
Doing abs for a full workout is a complete waste of a day.. you don't even need to work your abs to get abs.. you just need to lose body fat... and if you do abs.. yes you need to rest them.. they are a muscle.0 -
I was working out hours a day, but lately I've been doing about 30 minutes. I got burnt out and thought if I put more intensity into a shorter amount of time, I won't dread it as much. So 5 times a week can be enough0
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IMHO no, you don't need to exercise 6 times a day unless you are a professional athlete.
If you are just an average person trying to juggle a job, family, and health then it is really not necessary.0 -
Doing abs for a full workout is a complete waste of a day.. you don't even need to work your abs to get abs..
-No that's not why I'm doing it. I'm doing it so my stomach will be tight when I lose the weight. I seen the pics of people losing the weight but not toning. I don't want abs because (I know I'm going to get flak for this) just don't think it's a cute look for girls but neither is flabby skin after you lost several pounds of weight.0 -
IMHO no, you don't need to exercise 6 times a day unless you are a professional athlete.
If you are just an average person trying to juggle a job, family, and health then it is really not necessary.
Unless you are an average person training for a Tri and you don't want to do two-a-days.0 -
Doing abs for a full workout is a complete waste of a day.. you don't even need to work your abs to get abs..
-No that's not why I'm doing it. I'm doing it so my stomach will be tight when I lose the weight. I seen the pics of people losing the weight but not toning. I don't want abs because (I know I'm going to get flak for this) just don't think it's a cute look for girls but neither is flabby skin after you lost several pounds of weight.
Having loose skin in largely based on genetics. Working your ab muscles will literally do nothing to prevent it. And you can strengthen your core doing useful lifts like squats and deadlifts. I would argue that an ab day is indeed a waste.0 -
No, but you'll be in great shape if you keep it up. Three days is the minimum.0
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you have to find a plan that works for you... push yourself to performance but don't burn out with overperformance -- sounds as if you are already getting a bit discouraged... find something convenient but that will get you the results...
Perhaps following an already established result while you get in the groove of things... Jamie Eason has a Fat Loss on www.bodybuilding.com which helped me lose 20 lbs when I first started very nice combo of weights and cardio0 -
Abs workout can be a decent rest day activity. Unless you get really sore.0
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. I would argue that an ab day is indeed a waste-
I do it at then end of my set, not a full day. I have no idea how many reps I'm doing, just lifting 30 lbs of weights for 5 minutes. It's the abdominal machine at planet fitness if anyone want to get an idea of what it looks like0 -
It sounds like you're just messing around in the gym, and you don't have a plan set for whatever your goals are.
Lets start here: what are you goals?0 -
Necessary for what?
If you're doing decent workouts and eating at a deficit to lose weight, it's quite likely you'll actually reduce you'll reduce your 'results'.
I did the first reasonable length run I've done in ages yesterday (8 miles). Today doing weights my squats were down by 10%; couldn't even do one rep of the weight I was doing 5 of on Monday.0 -
It sounds like you're just messing around in the gym, and you don't have a plan set for whatever your goals are.
Lets start here: what are you goals?
I indeed do have a plan. One of them is to be able to run for more than just one minute without feeling like I'm going into cardiac arrest. So I have my 1/2 mile training app. First week was jogging for 1 minute then walking for 1:30 seconds. The 2nd weeks is jog for 1:30 seconds and walk for 2 minutes. It increases each week so that's down.
My 2nd goal is to not dread stairs and be able to walk up a small flight without once again feel like I'm dying. I use the stair stepper for that and yesterday was the first time I could go longer than 2 minutes and made it to 3, so it must be working.
My 3rd goal is having a tone stomach, which is what the abdominal machine is for, I was soar the first 2 days so it has to be working something out.
My ultimate goal is to lose weight which I have. So for someone that is "messing around" I tend to work up a sweat, lose the weight, have built up my endurance , and burn on average between 280-350 calories a night which I don't think is to bad it being my 2nd full week of going back to the gym.0 -
depends on what you are doing in the gym. if i lift heavy i am doing 2 days then rest, 2 days then rest.0
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To me, that's too much. I go 3-4 times and that's sufficient for my goals. I wouldn't be able to sustain 6 times a week for more than a month. Your muscles also need time to rest and build.
As FrnkLft said, it kinda sounds like you're just messing around in the gym. If you want real results, I'd recommend setting a real goal, and talk to a personal trainer, or at least someone who you're comfortable really knows what they're doing to set a program for you.
You'll get better results working smart 3 days a week than messing around 6 days a week.
Edit: I just saw your reply to Frnk - I don't necessarily mean you're not working hard, it's more that it doesn't sound like you're doing optimal exercises to reach your goals. It's messing around in that it seems that you're just using random machines and working various body parts.0 -
6 days a week? Sometimes. 7 would be too much imo, however.0
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Exercising 6 days a week is definitely not necessary for weight loss (or any of your other goals). In fact, as you are just starting out I would advise against it. It would be better to start slowly and ease yourself into it so that you don't burn out. Five days is definitely okay.
As some of the others have stated, make sure you have a well balanced plan.
In regards to what your friend told you about working a different body part each day, this is not necessary either especially for b beginner. If you want to include strength training then look at doing a good full body program of heavy lifting or circuit style training depending at where you are in your weight loss and what your physique goals are.0 -
s FrnkLft said, it sounds like you're just messing around in the gym. -
I am not messing around, if I was I wouldn't have results which I do. Before it killed me to run for 1 minute, now it doesn't. Before I couldn't Climb stairs for more than 2 minutes, now I can. I use the abdominal as instructed and was soar at first. These things would not be happening if I was just messing around, nor would I be losing weight or at least not the 2 pounds a week the my fitness pal app is set for without the exercise. My jogging length, and stair endurance is just going to increase so I don't believe I'm messing around.0 -
Sure, it's not a personal thing, it's just that we want you to train smart, not just hard.
Ok, so goals 1&2 are the same. Just start with some walking and work your way up. It's going to be a little while, but use "Couch to 5K", it's a great program.
You don't need the stair stepper really, but it's a good piece of equipment, and you're not going to see results that fast. You just had a good day and a bad day... that's all. And we all do. Especially at the beginning you're going to see some quick weight loss and quick improvement, that will taper off over time, which is why it's important to understand these things so you don't get discouraged.
As for goal 3, that's all about your bodyfat % (read: dieting) and nothing to do with working your abs. You can't spot reduce.
If you'll listen, I would recommend that you pick up a copy of New Rules of Lifting for Women (you can buy it on Amazon, even as an ebook). It's an easy to read book about fitness and exercise that will give you a foundation for all the time and decisions you're spending in the gym. Even if you don't decide to lift weights it doesn't matter, the info in the book is worth it's weight in gold, and it's fundamental.0 -
Edit: I just saw your reply to Frnk - I don't necessarily mean you're not working hard, it's more that it doesn't sound like you're doing optimal exercises to reach your goals. It's messing around in that it seems that you're just using random machines and working various body parts.
I'm not I had a set plan but keep getting different opinions. My original plan was to work on cardio. Treadmill, elliptical, bike. Since the app was 3 days out of the week, I would do 3 days of the treadmill and the last 2 elliptical and bike. Everyday I would do the stair stepper and the abdominal. That was my plan because I wanted to be able to run, and build up my cardio. Strength I was going to do after I loss 20 pounds so I wouldn't put on to much muscle too soon and misread the scale. That was my plan but no one agreed with it0 -
It sounds like you're just messing around in the gym, and you don't have a plan set for whatever your goals are.
Lets start here: what are you goals?
That sounds a bit harsh.0 -
Edit: I just saw your reply to Frnk - I don't necessarily mean you're not working hard, it's more that it doesn't sound like you're doing optimal exercises to reach your goals. It's messing around in that it seems that you're just using random machines and working various body parts.
I'm not I had a set plan but keep getting different opinions. My original plan was to work on cardio. Treadmill, elliptical, bike. Since the app was 3 days out of the week, I would do 3 days of the treadmill and the last 2 elliptical and bike. Everyday I would do the stair stepper and the abdominal. That was my plan because I wanted to be able to run, and build up my cardio. Strength I was going to do after I loss 20 pounds so I wouldn't put on to much muscle too soon and misread the scale. That was my plan but no one agreed with it
Sure, so all that cardio is fine. I recommend you read that book though, I swear on my life you'll get a lot out of it. New Rules of Lifting for Women, even if you don't decide to lift.It sounds like you're just messing around in the gym, and you don't have a plan set for whatever your goals are.
Lets start here: what are you goals?
That sounds a bit harsh.
Wasn't meant to be.0 -
"Sure, it's not a personal thing, it's just that we want you to train smart, not just hard"-
Sorry I do take it a bit personal because I really am working hard at this. I always feel exhausted after the gym and sometimes push myself for 1 more minute, or that extra sit up. When I restarted on the elliptical I wanted to give up after 5 minutes but made it to 15 minutes. This is small for the fitter members but for me it's a huge break through and when someone uses the word "messing around" I take it as I'm not working hard enough where I am pushing myself to much, just to be a beginner. Honestly if this board said 6 days was indeed recommended I would've went 6 days because I tend to push myself.
Sorry I took it wrong, and will check out the app but will check out the book when I get serious about weight training0 -
"Sure, so all that cardio is fine. I recommend you read that book though, I swear on my life you'll get a lot out of it. New Rules of Lifting for Women, even if you don't decide to lift. "
Then I will, checking for it now.0 -
Think of doing ab exercises not for a flat stomach (because what you eat has a larger role in that) but to gain general core strength and balance which will help prevent injuries in your other workouts.0
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"Sure, it's not a personal thing, it's just that we want you to train smart, not just hard"-
Sorry I do take it a bit personal because I really am working hard at this. I always feel exhausted after the gym and sometimes push myself for 1 more minute, or that extra sit up. When I restarted on the elliptical I wanted to give up after 5 minutes but made it to 15 minutes. This is small for the fitter members but for me it's a huge break through and when someone uses the word "messing around" I take it as I'm not working hard enough where I am pushing myself to much, just to be a beginner. Honestly if this board said 6 days was indeed recommended I would've went 6 days because I tend to push myself.
Sorry I took it wrong, and will check out the app but will check out the book when I get serious about weight training
No sweat, I just want you to understand that we're here to help you out. We've all been there, and want to share what we've learned to keep you from wasting your time. If you're going to bust your *kitten*, we want to help you make sure you're doing it in a way that will get you your results.0 -
You are your best judge. I do exercise 6 days week.0
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"Sure, it's not a personal thing, it's just that we want you to train smart, not just hard"-
Sorry I do take it a bit personal because I really am working hard at this. I always feel exhausted after the gym and sometimes push myself for 1 more minute, or that extra sit up. When I restarted on the elliptical I wanted to give up after 5 minutes but made it to 15 minutes. This is small for the fitter members but for me it's a huge break through and when someone uses the word "messing around" I take it as I'm not working hard enough where I am pushing myself to much, just to be a beginner. Honestly if this board said 6 days was indeed recommended I would've went 6 days because I tend to push myself.
Sorry I took it wrong, and will check out the app but will check out the book when I get serious about weight training
No sweat, I just want you to understand that we're here to help you out. We've all been there, and want to share what we've learned to keep you from wasting your time. If you're going to bust your *kitten*, we want to help you make sure you're doing it in a way that will get you your results.
I appreciate that0 -
You've been given some good advice here, the thing many of us have seen is a person being too aggressive from the start and not being able to maintain it for very long - like going on an overly restrictive diet, most people are going to crack and give up at some point.
It is ok to train 6 days a week (I do) as a mix of weights and cardio, but I have also built up a decent level of fitness from easing into it over a few years.
I like that you have some good (acheivable) goals. It sounds like working on your fitness is a great place to start, and a beginners running program like a C25k or similar is a good option for you. I would back off the ab work and look at doing some proper resistance work - my advice on this would be to get a trainer or someone to show you how to lift correctly, and start very light!
edit: Just to avoid any confusion, I'm not advocating 'pink dumbbells' for women! Just that easing into a program is the most sensible approach for adaptation. :bigsmile:
Lots of reps with very light weight is a good place to start to help get your body used to the extra strain, get the movement patterns correct and minimise the chance of injury. New Rules of Lifting for Women or one of the beginner resistance training programs will be a great help here. A lot of people struggle with the concept of lifting weights to lose weight and tighten up their bodies at first, but trust me, it'll be the best thing you can do!
Just take it easy for the first little while and try not to go nuts wanting to do everything you can. You need to give your body time to heal between workouts. Alternating cardio and a weight training days, and I would say have at least two days off each week for now.0 -
Edit: I just saw your reply to Frnk - I don't necessarily mean you're not working hard, it's more that it doesn't sound like you're doing optimal exercises to reach your goals. It's messing around in that it seems that you're just using random machines and working various body parts.
I'm not I had a set plan but keep getting different opinions. My original plan was to work on cardio. Treadmill, elliptical, bike. Since the app was 3 days out of the week, I would do 3 days of the treadmill and the last 2 elliptical and bike. Everyday I would do the stair stepper and the abdominal. That was my plan because I wanted to be able to run, and build up my cardio. Strength I was going to do after I loss 20 pounds so I wouldn't put on to much muscle too soon and misread the scale. That was my plan but no one agreed with it
I definitely get the desire to focus on cardio for a little while before adding in strength. Just remember that if you are eating at a calorie deficit you won't put on a great deal of muscle through strength training, rather it will help you to retain the muscle you have and build strength (which you can do without adding muscle mass). A really good way to incoprporate weights and still burn a lot of calories is to do some circuit style training using a combination of body weight moves and weighted moves. Minimal rest inbetween exercises will keep your heart rate high and burn calories plus it's a lot of fun and it's always good to have variation in your program.
Maybe three days on the cardio machines and 2 days of circuit training would be a good place to start0
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