Is it enough to go to gym three times per week?

jofromnz

I have been with MFP for almost 11 weeks now and I have lost 6.2 kilos thus far (13 lbs). I am really happy with this progress. I have been going to the gym three times per week and each time I do 60 minutes of BodyCombat (punching and kicking class). When the weather is good I go for walks with my son (usually about 40-60 mins). Just wondering whether three times per week is average or if I should add more classes in to my schedule??? [I have another 11.1 kilos to go until I reach my goal]

JennieAL

Sounds like enough time, for sure. Maybe add in some weight training? Like do 2 or 3 days of weights, 2 or 3 days of walking (cardio) along with the kicking/punching.

koosdel

Yes.

MB_Positif

Yep! I lost 42 pounds in about 11 months only working out 2 to 3 times per week, I only recently upped it to 4 to 5 days because I am unemployed and need to be entertained!

Huffdogg

It's more than enough if you make the time there count.

Elizabeth_M

I LOVE Body Combat. C'mon, you burn up to 900 cal with that class! 3x a week is great!

Inlet

Yes. It is.
It is also very doable, so burn out is less likely and you will probably be able to keep it up week after week, and month after month without injury.

hbrittingham

What works for you works for you. You don't need to conform to what anyone else is doing. When I first started out, I was going three times a week. I only go more now because I honestly love it, otherwise, I wouldn't.

AnarchoGen

It just depends on the effort you put in at the times you are at the gym - it seems to be working for you so I think it's plenty, if you plateau, you may have to switch things up a bit, like Jennie suggested, incorporate some weight training.

fiberartist219

This probably varies a lot from person to person. If it is working for you so far, then keep doing it!

Personally, I find that I do a lot better with shorter and more frequent exercises. If I don't work out 5 days a week, it becomes very easy for my days off to turn into a lazy streak and skip more days than I'm supposed to.

Luthorcrow

On a basic cardiovascular level, if you are doing at least moderate exercise or better for 30 minutes three times a week you are gold. As for heart health or longevity more time will not necessarily be better. So yes, it is enough to improve your health but eventually you will probably want to do more. More important than longevity is quality of life and generally being as good shape as you find fun is your best bet. Depending on if you are enjoying what you are doing that may end up leading to more.

LeanerBeef

I think 3 trips to the gym is great, especially if you're doing some good walks or other activities on your off days.

jofromnz

Thanks everyone! Your feedback is much appreciated! I def go as often as I can - my husband has been on holiday lately so I go much more (while he looks after the baby!). I know I can go three times a week for the rest of my life (even when I am back at work) so I def see it is achievable for the long term (and maintenance when I get there!). Thanks again.

jofromnz

This is so interesting as I have been logging it as 'boxing' and it gives me 497 for 60 mintues, yert the instructors say it is between 800-900 calories (dpeending on hwo hard you work!). OH well, I am losing so that's the main thing and can't hurt to have a few extra calories up my sleeve!!!). Thanks I recently bought an HRM so I will se what it gives me!

paisley2288

If you are happy with the progress I think it is enough! I should start back going since I am paying for it. But if you start to plateau you may want to take more walks or up it to 4 days a week. Or either stay longer at gym on the three days you do go. But it sounds like you are doing great. 2-3 pounds per week is about average and studies have shown that if you lose weight at this rate you are more likely to keep it off. Just my opinion!

jonm192

I would keep it at 3, if you can get there more, cool. But, most people aim for 3. Try to incorporate some lifting.

Jconner30

Dont do anything that will get you discouraged. Move that body - no matter what you do, keep it moving! The gym is just a place to move the body. You can also move it at home just as well.

Huffdogg

This is so interesting as I have been logging it as 'boxing' and it gives me 497 for 60 mintues, yert the instructors say it is between 800-900 calories (dpeending on hwo hard you work!). OH well, I am losing so that's the main thing and can't hurt to have a few extra calories up my sleeve!!!). Thanks I recently bought an HRM so I will se what it gives me!

The number of calories you burn doing any exercise is widely variable based on a load of different factors, one of the biggest of which is your current bodyweight. Honestly, for an instructor to throw out a blanket statement like that is rather ignorant.

HonkyTonks

You should throw in 1 - 2 strength training sessions

The number of calories you burn doing any exercise is widely variable based on a load of different factors, one of the biggest of which is your current bodyweight. Honestly, for an instructor to throw out a blanket statement like that is rather ignorant.

Tell me about it! Overestimating exercise calories can get people into a lot of trouble with weight loss. 800 calories for a 60 minute session is an awful lot - unless you are bigger/have lots of lean muscle mass you probably aren't burning that many.