One common question I am often asked is how often should someone workout.
The answer to that depends on a few key things like;
- What are your fitness goals?
- Do you have to meet a fitness deadline?
- How long have you been training for currently?
- Do you participate in any other sports or physical activities?
- What is your current schedule like?
What are your fitness goals?
As you can see there are many factors to take into consideration when planning a fitness program.If you have a specific goal in mind the time line to achieve it, is easier to narrow down. In the case of “The Freshman 15″There is no reason why, with sound training and nutrition you shouldn’t be able to shed those pounds within 12 weeks.
Do you have to meet a fitness deadline?
Once you have decided on a goal, the next step is to create a deadline, do not skip this step. Setting up a day or event to get in shape for creates a real urgency, to get things going.People who cannot narrow down when they want something to occur, often do not get to their desired destination. Make sure that you define when and how much when creating your vision of Dropping your freshman 15.
How long have you been training for currently?
Now that you have the goal and time line in place, Now you can figure out how often you should actually workout. Beginners who have never done any sort of resistance training, or who have not trained consistently for over a year should stick to 2-3 days of resistance training MAX. People often think that you have to workout everyday to get in shape (FALSE). The key to sculpting a lean beautiful body is to stimulate the muscles and then let them rest, only coming back to stimulate them once they have recovered. A schedule for beginners should look like this;
Mon- Resistance training
Tues- Cardio conditioning
Weds- Day off
Thurs- Resistance training
Fri- Cardio conditioning
Sat- Day off
Sun- Resistance training
Someone who has been training for over a year can add one more day of resistance training, if they really want to speed up the fat loss but only if they have a sufficient base.
What is your current schedule like?
The last two considerations regarding your weekly schedule and whether you participate in other sports are a reference to how busy you are, and how physically and emotionally demanding your life is currently. Lets face it, there are times during the school year when things are going to be hectic. My advice to you, is slow down when this happens. Exercise is great and can help relieve tension, but remember that the body can perceive intense workouts as additional stress. If you have too many things on the go relax your workout schedule and supplement your resistance training with something calming like a light yoga or stretch session. Your body will thank you for it