Is there such thing as too much exercise?

happilyeveractive
happilyeveractive Posts: 167 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
How much is too much exercise? If I do two work outs a day is that too much? What about 7 days a week? I like working out especially since I have a gym membership and recently purchased Shaun T's Rockin' Body. I'm looking for some guidance. Thanks!!!

Replies

  • Jul158
    Jul158 Posts: 481 Member
    I can get a little obsessive with working out, which I think is where it leads to trouble. I've read that if working out begins to take priority over spending time with family or friends and you get anxious whe you can't work out, it may be a problem. Other than that, more power to you!!
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Over training is possible in elite athletes that train 6-8 hours a day. Some can handle it, though.
  • angieleighbyrd
    angieleighbyrd Posts: 989 Member
    I think it depends what you are doing. The only reason I think 7 days a week is too much is because your muscles really don't get a chance to heal if you don't take a rest day. Rest days can be just as essential as work out days sometimes.
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    You need at least one rest day once a week. It's healthy. Resting is equally important as working out.

    I workout twice a day most days too, but I plan in a rest day every week.
  • eric5150ii
    eric5150ii Posts: 53 Member
    Muscles do not grow during the workout phase, they grow during the rest phase. The workout actually tears them down, and the rest allows them to rebuild and get stronger. So, a rest day is important, at least one day a week.
  • happilyeveractive
    happilyeveractive Posts: 167 Member
    Good to know! Thanks for all the advice! I may do two work outs on weekend days that I have some "free time". Most weekends are busy and have at least 1-2 rest days. Since this weekend was calm, and next weekend is jam packed, I'm going to keep at it. I started my gym regiment on Tuesday and will rest next Sat/Sun. Most weekends are busy, so I will aim for 5 workouts a week and if I end up with 6-8 then it will just be an added bonus! :)
  • ravenrxx
    ravenrxx Posts: 455 Member
    I think you'll be fine. You might want to just workout 6x a week though. And if you want on the 7th day, just do some yoga or stretching
    :)!
  • algebravoodoo
    algebravoodoo Posts: 776 Member
    I am no expert by any means, but I do have a suggestion for you that I got from my doctor, who also bikes, lifts and runs...

    Get yourself some sort of heartrate monitor and check your pulse while resting. If you notice that your resting pulse is higher than usual, your body is likely telling you to back off because 1) you are overtraining and not allowing the recovery cycle to work its magic, or 2) you are coming down with some sort of bug, or 3) you are not eating enough of the right stuff.

    You can also watch for an increase in recovery time for your heartrate. I know that if I run until I feel stressed, my HR is near 160 bpm, it should not take more than 1 minute to be back around 135-140 while still walking. If I do my check and my rate is still not where I want it after 2-3 minutes, I stop, walk it out and go home to rest.

    Resting pulse is best taken upon awaking, before you get out of bed, stretch or otherwise come to life. However, since I am a mere mortal LOL I just get in the recliner and lie still for about 10 minutes and check it then. The big thing is the same conditions for comparison.

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