jen:
I'm with you. I do about 4 workouts per week because I always hit that wall mentally. More than 4 days with exercise per week does not suit my personality. I love working out but it is because I do not do it 6 or 7 times per week and because I don't force myself to do it that I am bursting with motivation and have no dread about it on the 4 days per week that I do work out.
Since I only work out 4 times per week, I make sure that it counts. I go for it, no half arsed measures. I go full throttle and every workout is around the 2-2 1/2 hours long mark as I tend to go for the cardio plus weights options, the longer premixes on any instrutor's DVD.
When I am in the mood to work out, then I am really in the mood. When I am not, I don't. End of story.
I know that there are guidelines for how many minutes per week we are supposed to exercise for and I know that some experts recommend a little every day rather than fewer giant sessions. But here's the thing: you have to do what works for you, your timetable, your family and other commitments and for your personality.
Whatever helps you stick with the program: that's what you do.
Clare