Better to workout straight through or Ok to break it up?

ojell

I'm still new to the working out thing meaning my fitness level isn't the best...sooooo I tend to workout say on the elliptical or bike or something for 10 mins at a time then either go back to the same machine or if I'm exhausted I switch to a different machine or get a drink or something...Basically giving myself a mini break in between and then ultimately add my times together to the length I'd like to workout. Is this BAD? Should I force myself to stay on the machine the whole time with no breaks? I just feel that if I take the mini breaks I can do longer overall than if I were to push myself til I can't go anymore.

Does this make sense?

Anyway, am I hurting my weight loss efforts by taking the mini breaks? Should I just go straight through the whole time?

tracielinn

I constantly take breaks, but start again before my heart rate gets too low. You don't want to injure yourself by pushing through a workout if you are starting out. I remember to challenge myself in each workout...if I am on the treadmill for 30 minutes, the next day I push it to 35.....small steps will make great gains overall.

Yanicka1

If I were you I would GOOGLE HIIT (high intensity interval training)

Good luck

amflautist

Breaks are GOOD. Your muscles are healing and building new tissue during the breaks. Further training when you (your muscles) are exhausted just breaks them down.

xXxWendyxXx

I constantly take breaks, but start again before my heart rate gets too low. You don't want to injure yourself by pushing through a workout if you are starting out. I remember to challenge myself in each workout...if I am on the treadmill for 30 minutes, the next day I push it to 35.....small steps will make great gains overall.

i do this as well each time i go push myself that extra 5mins. another good thing to do which i found that also keeps me going is to start at an easy level and increase it by 2 each 5mins and then when u get to a level that u struggle at slowly bring it back down to the level u started at

rml_16

I think the best thing to do is to do what you can. If you're new and your endurance is low, then of course what you're doing is great! It will help build endurance until you don't need so many breaks.

But your HR isn't going to go down very far in just a few minutes, so you're probably getting a pretty good workout, too.

Anyway, any movement is great!

bhoochy

I agree look up HIIT. I think it's ok too take breaks as long as you are working super hard during your workout then break. I cannot stand the idea of being at the gym for an hour for weights then cardio, so I do weights in the morning then do my cardio at night...I am more likely to not get bored by breaking it up in to two 30 min sessions.

jacksonpt

Depends if it's a mental brake or a physical break. The difference can be harder to tell than you might think. If it's a mental break, then no, you should push through. If it's a physical break, then yes... listen to your muscles. Keep an eye on things though... if you're going at the same intensity for the same amount of time, taking the same breaks etc for a long time, then you've gotten yourself into a rut and you'll have to push through it a few times to keep progressing.

ojell

Thanks everyone!

Good point Jack!!

ninerbuff

Breaks are GOOD. Your muscles are healing and building new tissue during the breaks. Further training when you (your muscles) are exhausted just breaks them down.

Actually your muscles heal on FULL rest and not during breaks during exercise. Nothing wrong with breaking them down as long as you allow a full day for recovery and supplement with the right macros to rebuild.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

savlyon

I think that what you are doing is fine, especially since you are beginning.
Another thing to consider, if you have the time is to work out in the morning for 20 minutes and then work out in the evening for 20 minutes. By separating the time you work out you are boosting your metabolism through out the day. You might find it easier to work out hard for 20 minutes at a time, two times a day. I would be discouraged to be "forced" to do something longer than I was physically able.

Keep up the good work!

skingszoo

Depends if it's a mental brake or a physical break. The difference can be harder to tell than you might think. If it's a mental break, then no, you should push through. If it's a physical break, then yes... listen to your muscles. Keep an eye on things though... if you're going at the same intensity for the same amount of time, taking the same breaks etc for a long time, then you've gotten yourself into a rut and you'll have to push through it a few times to keep progressing.

So so so true!!!