Opinions please!!

jluthersw

I got to thinking about this and I am not sure what the correct answer is but I would love some input. I was wondering what you think is more important while working out, the amount of time or the amount of calories? For instance my exercise goal for the week is 680 calories and 90 min. I will meet the goal of 680 sometimes in one workout of 40 min. Do you think it is more important to make sure and get the calories or take it slow and try to spread out the calories slowly? (BTW I still work out during the week even if I make those calorie goals.)
Any help is greatly appreciated!!

chevy88grl

For me - I focus on the time that I'm there. Some days I do straight cardio, some days circuit training and some days just strength training. I know the calorie burn between the 3 is probably quite a bit different. Since I don't workout more than 3 times a week - I focus on making sure I am there for the full 60 mins.

OnMyWay2STay

I'd say it depends entirely on your goals.

For me, I am pretty strong and my blood pressure has always been good. I am trying to lose 94 more pounds. So for me, I'm more interested in calories burned. The more burned the better. And I have a family and other responsibilities so if I get it done quicker that's even better.

If someone is training for a marathon, trying to improve lung/heart function, build muscle, etc. then maybe the time spent working out would be more important than the calories they burn.

Just my thoughts on the subject!

tross0924

I vote for the bigger faster burn over the slower stretched out one. More calories is more better. :-)

aflane

I don't concentrate on the time spent OR the calories burned. Instead I concentrate on completing the scheduled workout routine for the day . Normally, it's 30-45 mins of cardio, followed by either legs workout, back and biceps or chest and triceps. Right now I'm recuperating from an injury, so my workout is a little up in the air, til my leg heals a bit more. I can't seem to get properly warmed up without the cardio portion of my program, and with my right leg laid up, cardio is out. (stupid leg)

fastbelly

If you achieve your goal with one workout, then its time to rearrange your goals... set the goal to 1800 calories for the week now or 90 minutes. That way you can stop if you can't get over 90 minutes a week and you still achieve your time goal and you can go on further and reach a higher score in calories.

Make sure however that your calories are relatively accurate, don't over rely only on MFP calories because they can be quite inaccurate.

The most important thing is that you set challenging but yet achievable goals and review these on a regular basis as your fitness levels improve.