Personal Training Forum

webstar · Just Getting Started Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 9

What do you think is the minimum number of days a week someone needs to train to improve?

northfloridatrainer · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 1:50 am Post subject:

This is a loaded question that at the very least starts with another question - What is the fitness goal?

Nonetheless, the Surgeon General recommends at least 30 minutes every single day of vigorous exercise just for good health. For Goal Attainment, obviously that would only be a starting point.

Personally, I always work out 6 days a week, regardless of what I am training for. I find a way to work and recuperate based on my training program and intensity on a 6-day on, 1-day off schedule.

That is just me, though, and everyone is different.

webstar · Just Getting Started Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 9

Yes I know what you mean. But I guess what I am asking is if I at a given point in time fit, what is the minimum amount of days I should train to ensure that I don't lose fitness. I have heard three days (or your normal training) is enough for maintenance. Anything less you will lose fitness, and anything more you will continue to improve (to a point at least).

What do you think?

northfloridatrainer · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 1:31 pm Post subject:

In the case of just STAYING FIT, that is much easier! Cool

Again, everyone is going to be different, but 3 days per week of moderate intensity weight training followed by cardio should be sufficient, provided you don't just sit on the couch the rest of the days!

I would say 3 days per week of training and cardio, and an active lifestyle outside of that. If you don't have an active lifestyle at all, then I would add another 2 days of cardio in there.

Hope that helps!

Peter Szeles · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 3:57 pm Post subject:

If you're doing nothing right now... Then even once a week is going make a difference. Remember: even the smallest change is going to pay off on the long run. And if you make many small changes to your lifestyle it is more likely you will stick to them. If you shock your body with everything at once you'll more likely quit after a while.