Is 4 Days Enough?

miss_j3ss
miss_j3ss Posts: 11
edited January 29 in Fitness and Exercise
Newbie here and I have a question that...might be...slightly embarrassing that I even have to ask.

I've been reading a whole lot online and my main goal overall really is to slim down only a bit and tone up/get tight. Right now, my workout goal is to work out four days a week...two days I'll do pure cardio - running, biking, whatever. two days I'll do a body pump class. Is this enough? Do I need to be doing more? Am I taking this on all wrong? I see people who work 6-7 days a week and I don't know anymore if 4 days is even good enough. Insight would be awesome.

Thanks!
Jess

Replies

  • miss_j3ss
    miss_j3ss Posts: 11
    bump
  • 9jenn9
    9jenn9 Posts: 309 Member
    It's enough if it works for you. Take before pictures, take measurements. Do your thing for a while (I'd give it at least 6 weeks). Then take more pics and measurements. If you like what you see, it's working. I, personally, don't think 6-7 days/week is necessary. Rest days are important for me to avoid injury. I kind of like the idea of moderation in all things.
  • faceoff4
    faceoff4 Posts: 1,599 Member
    Do whatever you can handle to start with in my opinion. Most would say anywhere between 4-6 days is fine and about 30-60 mins each day. I do every day, but I have always been exercising and playing sports since I was very young, so its a normal daily routine to me just like eating and sleeping.

    The key is to not take on too much too early and get frustrated or de-motivated. Your routine sounds good for what you want to accomplish and usually pretty naturally people tend to migrate to more days. Definitely mix up your routine like you are doing. A good mix of cardio and strength training is the key to reaching your goals of slimming down and toning your body. If you can do 5-6 days a week and your body is responding well to it, then I would say go for it. But 4-5 to start out with should be fine and listen to your body, it will tell you if you are doing too much. Hope this helps and good luck!
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    If it works for you then do it.

    I used to work out 4 days during the week. I worked out Mon, tues, thurs, fri and had Wed. as a real rest day. It worked for me for a while then I changed up my routine and started working out 5 days a week. I was doing cardio 3x a week and a full body routine 2x a week because that's what worked for me in the time allotted.

    Now I work out 5 days a week and do cardio and one muscle group a day because again, that is what works for me time and exercise wise. Lately I have been taking rest days. Typically I don't but I also listen to my body and if I am really tired in the morning (I get up at 4:45 to be at the gym for a little before 5:30) then I skip.

    Like another poster said take before and after pictures and measurements (not just your weight but tape measurements) and compare the results after a month. If it's working for you then you're golden!
  • miss_j3ss
    miss_j3ss Posts: 11
    Thanks guys! I took before pictures and I figured that since I've been idle for a bit...with eating well being the only reason I haven't tipped the scales to scare me...4 days sounded plausible for my schedule. Glad to know I'm not going about this totally wrong. Much appreciated:)
  • bwright9752
    bwright9752 Posts: 125 Member
    I was doing 2-a-days (5 days a week), 1 cardio and 1 strength for 2 years with great success but i hit a bit of a plateau so I decided to change it up a little. I'm now doing Stronglifts 5x5 3 days a week and cardio 7 days a week (running 5 days and spinning 2). I find this works for me, but I'm nearing 50 so I need a little more help than someone young like you. If you have not been working out much then 4 days a week should be a great start, as you get into it more you will probably want to increase it and that is ok. Body Pump is great way to start doing some lifting but I'd look into Stronglifts 5x5 or New Rules of Lifting for Women for your next step in a few months.
    Just do what you are comfortable with, progress as you feel the desire, change it up on a regular basis, eat enough calories to fuel your new workouts and educate yourself. Oh, and have fun, it's a life long journey so it has to be fun.
  • jquijas
    jquijas Posts: 222 Member
    Was going to chime in, but what everyone else has said sounds good to me...so I will just say Good Luck!
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