Longer workouts, less often?

[Govtgirl]

If this has been answered somewhere before, I apologize, but...

Is working out 3 times a week for 1-1.5 hours just as beneficial as working out 45 minutes 6 times a week?

I try to work out 1 hour 6X a week, but sometimes life gets in the way, and I can't work out that many days. So, if I go extra long on the other days some weeks, do you think I'd still be ok? Thanks!

 

[ldy_solana]

IMO if that is all you can take on right now than its way better then nothing. plus if you make them more intense as opposed to longer it might be better. right now i am lucky to get a good 3-4 days in and that is under an hour(morning exerciser with lots to do before work). i also like to break up workouts so some nights i am on the mat with pilates or core work .

kassia

http://www.picturetrail.com/ldy_solana

"And do what thee wilt as long as ye harm none"

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1307/4842454/16585805/276676894.jpg

 

[CathydsRNA]

I think the only thing you might lose is the total amount of afterburn calories on a per week basis but you might gain more energy to do the next workout with some more timeoff spaced between workouts and so expend more calories during the workout. Recovery time is important too and you would be getting more of that. I think we often don't pay enoough attention to that and so overall I think your plan is solid. Let us know how it works.

 

[maddiesmum]

In your case I would play each week by ear and accommodate my workouts to life. Most of us do this anyway and do not have any choice.

Currently I am only managing to workout for 2 hours three or 4 days per week and I am sticking to that. I make my time work for me with very heavy lifting and a variety of lower body exercises. I have to say that on the days when I do work out I feel very good both about it and while doing it because I finally have no distractions, I am well rested and able to give it my absolute all.

It may not be what the "experts" say is optimal, but it currently works for me and I'm sticking with it for now.

Do what works for you and don't worry about what anybody else thinks, expert or not.

Clare