How often should I go to the gym? Every second day?

I'm currently going to the gym every second day now for the past three weeks. I go on the elliptical for an hour at moderate pace and speed it up here and there. I up the interval every week as I can handle every week. My legs and thighs are stiff and a bit sore the following day so I just go every second day. Am I making an excuse to be lazy? What should I be doing differently? What can I do to see better results for weight loss? Should I go everyday or is every second day enough? I'm 165lb and 5'6.5 Also I'm getting a tad bored of the elliptical machine.. what other machine should I try that is similar for great results? I'm new to fitness and exercising. Thanks.

Replies

  • ShibaEars
    ShibaEars Posts: 3,928 Member
    Go to the gym as often as you want - I would suggest at least one rest day a week though. You can hop on a treadmill and do some walking/jogging or use a stationary bike or stair climber. If the weather is nice where you are, you can head outside for a walk/jog or bike ride and change up the scenery a bit. Incorporating some weight training will make a big difference too.
  • hearthemelody
    hearthemelody Posts: 1,025 Member
    I am enjoying Stronglifts 5x5 and that is only 3 times per week.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary
  • ashleearoha
    ashleearoha Posts: 165 Member
    Get off the cardio machines and in to the weights room, I go to the gym everyday and do a weights session and do a cardio session later in the day or in the morning before my strength session. I hate cardio because its so boring haha weight lifting is so much fun and the results are amazing! :)
  • Hi, I would recommend you try high intensity training and interval training. You can burn as many calories in 20 minutes as you burn in a hour at a steady pace on the cross trainer. (this information was given to me by my personal trainer)
    I would suggest you ask the gym instructor to give you a programme as that will help you with the boredom. I see a personal trainer twice a week and the sessions are always different. I also go to spin and circuits classes which I really enjoy.
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
    Every other day seems fine. If anything, you should go regularly just to get your money's worth.