How much strength training do you actually have to do?

BrunetteRunner87
BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I know that strength training is an important part of being healthy, as well as looking toned and burning more calories. I'm just wondering how often you have to go to be able to see some type of result.

I'm not trying to look like Arnold or anything...just want a boost in my metabolism and to not be so jiggly. If I go twice a week and work every muscle group each time, is that enough?

Replies

  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    2x per week would be ok if you do it right. 3x would be optimal.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    No matter how much lifting you do you will never look like Arnold or bulk up for that matter unless you take steroids. Females don't get huge or bulk up.

    If you're doing a full body workout then 2x a week is ok however 3 would probably be better.
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    Oh I know Arnold is an EXTREME exaggeration, I'm just trying to say I'm not focusing on muscles or having that attitude.
  • Jynus
    Jynus Posts: 519 Member
    Oh I know Arnold is an EXTREME exaggeration, I'm just trying to say I'm not focusing on muscles or having that attitude.
    What attitude? The working hard for your goals one like he had?
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    No matter how much lifting you do you will never look like Arnold or bulk up for that matter unless you take steroids. Females don't get huge or bulk up.

    If you're doing a full body workout then 2x a week is ok however 3 would probably be better.

    ^^ This

    I started off focusing on body weight exercises. If you are new to strength training and especially if you are overweight, body weight exercises are an excellent way to build up strength.
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    So I know that strength training is an important part of being healthy, as well as looking toned and burning more calories. I'm just wondering how often you have to go to be able to see some type of result.

    I'm not trying to look like Arnold or anything...just want a boost in my metabolism and to not be so jiggly. If I go twice a week and work every muscle group each time, is that enough?

    I'm trying to look like Arnold and it's not working for me. Seriously, putting on muscle takes work. Don't fear putting on huge muscles. It won't happen.

    If you want a little bit of results, then just do a little bit each week. If you want a lot of results, 3-4 times a week.
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    Oh I know Arnold is an EXTREME exaggeration, I'm just trying to say I'm not focusing on muscles or having that attitude.
    What attitude? The working hard for your goals one like he had?

    The attitude that I want to get ripped?
  • default
    default Posts: 124 Member
    Getting "ripped" as you put it requires months and years of dedication and attention to detail for most people, it's not going to happen by lifting a few weights 2-3 times a week
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    I go twice a week for about 45minutes. Full body, compound lifts (a variation of Strong Lifts). I'd rather do 3 but 2 is all my schedule allows.
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    I understand that I'll never be "ripped," so forget about that. Just wanting to know if going 2 days is enough to see any improvement at all.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I recall from another thread that you have some running goals (ie faster pace etc) as a runner your weight training would be more focused on developing strength and endurance with a view to addressing muscular imbalances and promoting injury resistance.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-238-263-266-0,00.html

    Hope this helps with some ideas.

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