How much is too much??

theatregoddess

I've heard different opinions on this, so I'm a bit confused. Is it better to work out everyday, or every other day? By "work-out" I mean calithenics - sit ups, crunches, leg lifts, push ups, etc. I have not used weights yet, since I am still using my body weight to strengthen myself without the use of extra lbs. I have also been going to the gym at least 2 days a week, doing an hour of cardio. (I won't be able to use a gym during the school year, however, because it will not be available, so I will only be doing calisthenics and walking.) So what do you think? Everyday, or every other day? I've heard you should wait a day to let your muscles recover, but on the other hand I've heard that this only allows them to expand - and I want as little "expanding" as possible, if you know what I mean.

Thanks!
~Nicole

9726172000

If you are doing strength training (meaning with weights other than your own body weight) you need to have a day rest.
Example:
Upper body workout with weights on Monday rest on Tuesday
Lower body workout with weights on Tuesday rest on Wednesday
Upper body workout with weights on Wednesday rest on Thursday
Lower body workout on Thursday rest on Friday
You would just alternate days for the upper and lower body workout with weights. Also give your body 1 complete day of rest without excercise of any kind.
Hope this helps

Kristi82

I had a personal trainer, and his advice on abs was that if I wanted a six pack to wait a day of rest in between workouts. If I just wanted a flat stomach, then it was fine to do crunches every day.

mrsyac2

Aren't you getting sore? If your not sore then keep at doing them everyday-

I get sore so I have to take rest days but I don't break them up -

Monday- back and Biceps
Tuesday- Just cardio
Wed- legs
Thurs- chest,tris, shoulders

Friday,Sat,Sunday- much needed rest.

How many push-ups are you doing? I know when I pound out push-ups I get sore- if you aren't getting sore maybe you should do a little more.

margaretthedevil

Your body response to exercise should be the most important indicator of if you're working out too much or not. I switch exercises everyday (never doing the same thing twice). It doesn't seem like you're going extreme with your exercise, but rest once a day per week at least. If you're sore, I would rest for the day or do something lower impact that doesn't target that sore area. If you're relatively fit and haven't been getting sore from your exercise, I would suggest you don't rest.