How much is enough/too much?

kmorris246

Ok, got a tough question for everyone.........

How much is enough exercise to be fit? How much cardio? How much strength training? How many days a week? And how much each day?

For instance, I'm in pretty good shape and within one pound of my goal weight. How much should I be exercising to maintain. I really don't have any interest in losing much more. I have been normally doing cardio about 5 times a week, and incorporating strength training on 3 of those days. Cardio-wise I've been doing kickboxing, running, and Insanity workouts.

I'm asking because someone, who I consider to be very physically fit and pretty reliable when it comes to being healthy, told me that cardio more than 3 times a week is overkill. Is this true?

Thanks!

frugalmomsrock

I just read an article that was interviewing a doctor that said 30 minutes a day, every single day, minimum.

That being said-I exercise 6 days a week, for anywhere from 60 to 180 minutes-depending on whether I get to the gym or not.

quiksandy

I'd like to know the answer to that too as I'm at a similar place as you.

By the way, you look great!

carrie_eggo

I think that it totally depends on your goals...Do you want to just be a certain weight or do you want to achieve a certain level of physical fitness? Do you want to set new goal or are you just content with the goal you have met? Technically if you didn't want to go anywhere else from here, all you would have to do is make sure you weren't eating more calories than you were burning off.

josery1630

I think it depends on your goals. If you're a body builder, then that much cardio may be ineffective to reach your goals. If you're just trying to stay in shape, then exercise no matter what form it's in is good for you.

I lift 2-3 times per week and generally get in cardio 5 times a week (swimming, running, cycling, walking, playing soccer, etc.). I take a day off when I'm feeling worn down then get back into it. Runners will go 6-7 days a week, cyclists too.

HeidiMightyRawr

IMO 5x a week is not too much unless you're suffering negative side effects such as constant aching, and exhaustion. If you're schedule allows and health doesn't suffer, go for it if you enjoy it!

I wouldn't go more than that though, you're body does need at least 1 rest day a week.
If you want to maintain your weight, just eat enough calories to do so.

I workout 5x a week (sometimes 4) for strength training. I might start adding a bit of cardio in soon, but that will just be about 15-20 minutes to the end of a session, 2/3 times a week. I hate cardio, that's the only reason I don't do more.

ETA: 3x a week of a decent workout involving both cardio and strength training should be perfect for the average person wanting to keep in good physical condition. If you're training for a specific event (marathon, bodybuilding contest etc etc) it may need to be more. But how much more is judged mainly by you and how you feel / how well you're achieving your personal goals

josery1630

Maybe they meant cardio on top of the Insanity workouts as being overkill?

BobbyClerici

To be fit?
Not much in terms of amount but quality.
Resistance 3 times each week, and the same for cardio - about 30 minutes each.

If you're in training for some sports or seeking peak condition, this doesn't cut it, but that's another story. To get fit, look good, feel great and live well, this is enough.

Less is more, but again, this does NOT apply to those seeking to increase performance in any specific sport.

UponThisRock

Depends on what you're trying to be "fit" for. A marathon? Gardening?

Rae6503

I lift 3 times a week for 30-45 min. I do cardio twice a week for 30 min. This is good for me and my goals.

kmorris246

Thanks quiksandy! You look great too!

And thanks everyone else for the feedback! I'm a mom of two kids, and not looking to go into bodybuilding and/or a marathon. Don't have the desire to, nor do I have the time to.

However, I do like being fit and physically active. I'm not looking for an "easy" way...... and not looking to do the very least either. Exercise and eating right will always be the way of life for me.

I had just always assumed that 5x week was the way to go, and wanted to see if opinions varied on this. Which it looks like they do?

kmorris246

I lift 3 times a week for 30-45 min. I do cardio twice a week for 30 min. This is good for me and my goals.

This is something that I may try.......... I've just recently become more serious and dedicated about lifting. I find this MUCH more enjoyable than going at it for 45 minutes along with a dvd.

amysj303

I think you will just have to see what it takes for you. I have read that one hour per day is necessary to maintain, but I can't really believe that.
I am in Phase 1 of the Jamie Eason livefit trainer, it's 12 weeks, and I am not sure what will be recommended at the end.
I would think 3 days of cardio and 3 days of strength training would be adequate and you could do both on the same day.

Articeluvsmemphis

Depends on what you're trying to be "fit" for. A marathon? Gardening?

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

whatever all those other people said. depends on what kind of fit. I don't play sports or anything, I just wanna be fit for health, general physical activities, and vanity :happy: