Angry Issues: How Long Are Your Workouts?
Today’s Angry Issues asks a very simple question: How Long Are Your Workouts?
The reason I ask is twofold – for one, I think many of us, including myself train for far too long, and two, over the past few years, shorter and more intense workouts have become quite popular. But not everyone seems to have got the message!
I’ve said here on the site before that there’s a fine line between exercising to improve your health and fitness and working out too much which then becomes detrimental. The simple truth is that exercise is a replacement for the natural activity we should be getting. But we’ve turned exercise into a way of changing how our bodies look when truthfully it should be about improving how we function.
The problem arises when we end up liking exercise more than is good for us, and I’m certainly guilty on that front. I mean truthfully, I LOVE to workout, how it makes me feel and the sense of accomplishment. And I know many people feel the same way. But I know that while training makes us stronger, leaner and fitter looking, we may actually be exercising too much. If you compare the human body to a machine, the more you run it, the hotter and harder you push it and the frequency you use it all contribute to a shortened “machine” life. Makes sense right? Beat the crap out of your car and it breaks down. But baby it, drive it slowly and cautiously and it runs longer.
When I first started to get serious about training, anything under an hour long session was considered wimpy. But now, high intensity interval training has become quite popular -so instead of spending hours working out, many people are performing much shorter full body workouts several times per week, and in some instances multiple times per day. And you know what? They’re getting great results and improving their health and fitness too. The fact is that the duration of your workout in the gym isn’t an indicator of how good your workout is. I know more people that get a great workout in 30 minutes or less than those that spend an hour or more farting around.
Now of course the flip side to this is when you’re training for endurance or bodybuilding. Again we’re not talking necessarily about health benefits here, but to accomplish a goal, whether it be improved sports performance or increased muscle mass. It’s important to realize that neither of those aims necessarily equates to better health. Many people think that running a marathon or having big muscles symbolizes health and fitness, but as regular Angry Trainer Fitness readers know, it’s not always the optimal way to train.
Despite this however, I’m NOT giving up my time in the gym, heck no! And I certainly won’t just perform 20–30 minute workouts. I love to train, I have from day one and I will continue until I can no longer do so. I think the key is to vary your intensity levels and how long you workout for. Maybe make a few days longer and more intense, a day or two shorter and easier and maybe a mid-tempo workout in the middle…
But what about you? How long do you exercise for – and what do you do? Do you like longer or shorter bouts of exercise? And what kind of results have you seen from both methods? Comment away…
Check out these related articles:
What Happens After You Workout?
All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.
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WHY YOUR WORKOUT ISN’T WORKING: REST!
about 1 year ago - 3 comments
It’s time for another installment of “Why Your Workout Isn’t Working”, our weekly guide to those of you struggling in the gym! My original intention with putting together this strand of postings was to help those of you that had great intentions, but for one reason or another just couldn’t get results from your exercise program. Over the years I’ve done a lot right on the workout front – but I’ve also made a LOT of mistakes – so I’m hoping you can benefit from my experience.
Previously we’ve discussed the importance of goal setting, correct exercise selection, consistency, and intensity (or how hard you bust your butt in the gym). Let’s assume you’ve taken my advice and you have all of these components in check. Yet still you just aren’t making the progress you’d like, or which you had expected. So, what gives? What now? Let me introduce you to the most overlooked and underrated component of many exercises programs – say hello to REST!
about 2 months ago
45min – 60min.
I don’t run in the gym, only use the barbell, dips, pullups, polymetric pushups, hanging leg raises, back extensions in a 3-day-split.
And guess what, getting stronger has improved my stamina. I’m lucky enough to be a lean person by nature, but boy, my stamina used to be BAD because I was WEAK.
about 2 months ago
Great article AT! My workouts are generally somewhere between 45 mins to an hour(depending on if I get to the gym on time!) I’m using Jamie Eason’s LiveFit bodybuilding trainer right now, have for months(your review is how I found your blog!). She has a great mix of weights, plyo, and cardio during all 3 phases. However, I’ve tweaked the workouts some to get everything done with in the 60 min timeframe I have. Tell me what you think:
While doing my strength training with weights, I’ve started doing super and tri-sets(about 6-8 exercises in all) and then I do somewhere between 25-15 min HIIT cardio on the treadmill(30 sec sprints/30 sec walk(15 mins or so), walking backward on an incline and brisk walking on an incline. I break all this up in 5 min intervals.) I try to engage my abs as much as possible during each exercise and do ab work at night when I’m home.
I read somewhere that supersetting was overtraining, but it has helped me get all my chosen exercises done in 30 mins or less. So, I generally superset with different body parts so as not to over train. Example: this morning I supersetted shoulders with legs..follow me? This is only because Jamie set up the trainer to go 6 days when I only want to go 5 days with 2 days rest.
about 2 months ago
My workouts are also only 45-60 minutes. I love how working out makes me feel, but I don’t like to spend hours at the gym either. I do a lot of HIIT training which gives me a great workout in minimal time.
about 2 months ago
I try to never go over 1hr! I look at my watch when I start and I get in the zone with on disruptions when I start to slack I superset or giant sets so I can complete my workouts in under an hour I love it!
about 2 months ago
I only go over an hour when I want to shock my body. I prefer at least a 45 minute workout but sometimes an intense 30 minute workout is all I have time for and on a rare occasion 20 minutes but I always try another workout on those days. I usually do workout 2x a day though.
about 2 months ago
I lift heavy things or do body weight moves two days a week, usually for about 1.5 hours, the other days I’ve been on my bike for usually 1.5-3 hours at a lower intensity. I’ve done this for about a month getting ready for the summer fun!
about 2 months ago
My workout times vary depending on my day. On heavy schoolwork days I tend to do little 4 minute Tabata styled workouts throughout the day to keep my blood going. On lighter days I’ll do something like 45 minutes of weight-bearing Yoga or Pilates and take my dogs for a jog.
about 2 months ago
depends on what I’m doing. if I’m walking or cycling, I’ll be out for hours. I love them. If I’m doing HIIT, it’ll be 15-30mins. If I’m doing just straight out cardio, dancing or taebo or something, it’ll be around an hour. I alternate workouts so I get a variety
about 2 months ago
Oh good… well, I can honestly admit I never workout too much
Here’s my deal: I’m a reluctant exerciser. Period. I intend for 20 minutes every day. That is my trickery tactic. Most times I do a bit more. I ALWAYS mix it up & listen to my body. I rarely have a plan. I always punt. That said, I rarely SWEAT for more than 45 minutes. But if I’m so inspired, I might…. Also, I can get a VERY good workout in 30 minutes. Tonight for example, bike warm up, easy intervals, 5 cindy’s, & practiced jump rope – shaBANG! Big muscle groups, high heart rate, and yes, even sweat 
about 2 months ago
This quote:
“The simple truth is that exercise is a replacement for the natural activity we should be getting,”
is awesome — so well said. And it’s something that hadn’t quite “clicked” in my mind until I read that line coupled with a blog entry a friend of mine wrote the other day that quoted part of this entry of yours.
My workouts are 40 minutes long, be they solid-state cardio, cardio with Tabatas thrown in, or circuit training with weights and more HIIT stuff. And the reason for this is simple: it’s the time I have. I get up at 5AM to exercise, because otherwise I most likely won’t be able to fit it in between homework for two kids and trying to squeeze in a bit of time with my husband.
It fits into my life, it keeps me active, and that’s what counts.
about 2 months ago
I want to say I really enjoy this post and agree with it 100%. This is something I have been telling people for so long but for so many if they don’t go at least an hour they don’t think they are working out enough. I myself love doing intervals at a high intensity. I really like tabata’s and since I play beach volleyball the rest time is perfect for me to recover during a game. I do like to mix up workouts though. Sometimes I go for a half hour or 40 minutes. Personally I like it high intensity for a short duration. I love the way I feel when I am done and know I don’t need to spend all day doing it. I also like your point that just because you run a marathon or train as a body builder does not make you healthy. I feel so many people have been brainwashed into what it truly means to be fit and healthy.
about 2 months ago
Thank you for such an awesome article
I used to train almost 6 days a week.. since someone “very wise” told me to cut for 5 and rest 2 I’m feeling much better.. my workouts are between 45 min or not more than an hour(with a warm up circuit) there is some weeks when I just do 4 days.. but let my body rest..as u say make huge difference 
I love short intense workout routines..when I’m in hurry..and ended up during the day with nice sets of push ups and jump squats ;D
about 2 months ago
I like HIIT style workout and that being said I usually go for 15-20 minutes workout. Once in a blue moon I might go for 30-40 minutes (like for time challenge workout style)
about 2 months ago
Kettlebell circuits for 20 minutes, 3 times weekly. I figure if you can go longer than 30 minutes with this type of workout, you need to up your weight or exercise difficulty.
I do additional bodyweight exercises for 15-45 min, 2-3 times weekly.
I also frequently bike to work and other places around town.