Working out. How much is too much?
I am building a house right now and am stuck in a corporate studio. I can't sit in this little apartment all day without getting cabin fever and the complex here is without a pool or gym facility so I am considering a membership at a gym not even a mile from where I am now. They have a pool, yoga classes, tanning, sauna, cardio theatre and the works.
I was thinking of trying to spend several hours a day at the gym and so I was wondering how much is too much when it comes to exercise? I wouldn't mind dropping a few pounds but my focus is more on staying active and enjoying my day. I don't want to over do it.
So how much is too much excercise?
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
id say as long as youre putting back what you lose youll be fine. if anything youll finally be able to eat whatever you want cause you want to go to the gym all the time. its pretty cool
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
"Several hours" a day of high-intensity exercise, like cardio and weight lifting, would be pushing it. But lower impact forms of exercise, like light swimming and yoga, would be ok. Your body will tell you how much you can tolerate. If you feel exhausted and you're not seeing any results, you're over-exercising.
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
Quote:
I was thinking of trying to spend several hours a day at the gym and so I was wondering how much is too much when it comes to exercise?
This is a good way to overtrain and hurt yourself, not to mention defeating the purpose of the exercise regimen. Limit your workouts to 1.5 hours a day at the maximum.
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
Your muscles will become very fatigued and very sore if you try to do too much too soon. Then you'll barely be able to walk. Start slow, build gradually.
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
It sounds like you just want to get out of the house for a while? I would suggest doing a pilates or yoga class (1 hr), cardio (30-45 minutes), maybe some muscle building on the machines (20 minutes), and then just relax by the pool or in the sauna.
Like the others have said, start slow and your body will tell you when you've had too much.
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
I think that it really all just depends on how much your body can take. If you feel that you have done too much than you probably have. Just listen to your body and you should be fine. ;D
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
Why don't you find the local hike and bike trails, if any, and take some long walks. Or, rent or buy a bicycle and take a ride? Those things take time, are good excercise, and you will enjoy nature. Also, swimming is good, the workout is as hard as you want it to be. You can spend an hour just slowly swimming laps, or sprint it for more intensity...
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
What they all said is great advice. Over-training is one of the best ways to destroy your body. It can be a fine line depending on your goals.
Losing fat weight and toning is quite easy to do. Pilates, Yoga and even a Body Balance at your local gym is a must. Then mix up some Spin or RPM classes, maybe some Pump once a week for toning, then mix up cardio and weights the rest of the week.
One of the biggest factors is your nutrition. What you put in is what you get out and you need to remember that if you step up your exercise regimn, you also may need to step up or alter your eating habits.
I coach weight loss and general fitness and have great results in my clients. Mostly guys, but getting around 5-10kg per month fat weight loss. I used to be a tub-o-lard and with discipline and goal setting, I dropped 30kg in 4months. Now I take my clothes off for money (and the ladies love it) and I am a leading contender to take out the regional bodybuilding title here in August. :o)
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
I've heard a rule of thumb from a few people: never try weight-training with muscles that are sore/healing from the previous day's workout. It is OK to do very light weights and slow repetitions to work the kinks out of your muscles and may be beneficial, but don't lift for heavy building two days in a row.
Cardio and such is OK to do every day as far as I know. I don't know about yoga. I assume you should also avoid doing too much with muscles that are sore and healing on all counts.
My knowledge comes from what I'm trying to do, which is apparently turn myself into a comic book superheroine, because I look in the mirror and I'm like, "oh, my waist's smaller, yadda yadda, cool, OOOH! A BICEP! PECS! ABS!" =) You may be specializing differently.
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
Your body is your business, so you'll have to balance the endorphine high you get from working out with the fact that a lot of men like their women to be a little soft around the edges.
Ignore the body image stereotypes popularized in the media. They are trying to sell something that is unattainable to women. Read: they are not selling to men. I could't imagine getting a lap dance from a strung out looking Paris Hilton type without getting grossed out.
All that said, I've found it's best to mix it up. Go for a long hike or bike ride one day, find something a bit more strenuous the next like spinning, then try yoga or pilates.
For me, the key to getting in shape is removing barriers to a healthy lifestyle. Keeping a reasonable diet which allows you to treat yourself from time to time with an excercise regimine that is varied.
Best of luck on your new house. Sounds like fun.
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
Thanks to everyone for all the advice! It has been quite helpful :)
Re: Working out. How much is too much?
I think working out for several hours at a time would be kind of pushing it at first. Some people who work out too much often end up getting sick b/c with all of the energy you are spending at the gym (or wherever) working out hard core your immune system could take a hit, especially if you don't refuel adequately. I agree with the person who said that 1.5 hours should probably be the max you work out each day. Afterall, you don't want to get burnt out and then stop going all together.