Working out enough?

L

lizzyc

Cathlete
I keep reading on these posts how much everyone seems to workout (6days a week). I only manage to fit in about 4 per week, I am currently using the ctx dvd, but if I use a workout every other day, I am only working a body part about once per week.
Am I really slacking on this? Tell me the truth, PLEASE!!!
Thanks everyone,
Lizzy
PS> It's not really a time issue, it's more of a "lazy" issue.
Help, I need motivation!!!!
 
Lizzy I only workout 3 to 5 days a week, but it's definitely because of my schedule. I'm an RN who works 12 hour nights, and I don't sleep more than a few hours even when I'm doing them back to back (NOT fun ... but reality right now!) I wouldn't be doing my body any good to attempt a Cathe workout after being up all day, working all night, and then sleeping only four hours the next morning before getting up again, so on the days after I work, I rest. I try to walk outside in good weather, just to do something, but I do a Cathe workout in the mornings on the days I'm going to work, and on days I'm off. Depending on my schedule that week (and it's always different), I get in 3 to 5 workouts a week. I wish I could do more, and I do when I take a week off now and then, but it seems to work for me, and I'm thrilled with my results! I really think there is no such thing as not working out enough, UNLESS ... YOU think you aren't doing it. You mentioned it's not a time issue, so if YOU think you aren't working out enough, then that's a personal choice. One thing I've learned from doing Weight Watchers is I can't compare myself to anyone else out there, in terms of eating habits, workout habits, or anything else. We're each individuals, and we each have to do what works best for us, regardless of what it seems "everyone else" may be doing. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who don't always workout 6 days a week, and they're happy with what they do. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you have to make a personal choice as to how often you do or don't workout, and as long as you're happy with it, it's the right thing for YOU.

Carol
:)
 
Hi Lizzy
i think what i've always heard is 3 times a week to maintain fitness
I work out 5 times per week take the weekends off Because i too work 12 hour night shifs and feel it would be useless to workout tired so I walk as much as possible at work I used towork out 7 days before this schedule and i actually think 5 is better for me a break is good too! 2 days in a row off makes me really Love my work out monday mornign and hit it hard!
Lisa
as far as motivation you got to want to do it put your heart and soul into it and the results will be motivation enough!I just know I feel better when I work out!
Good luck!
 
Lizzy,

6 days a week is really hard to maintain for any long periods of time for me. I do it when I can but mostly I do 4 or 5 days & have had great success losing weight.

DON'T ever try to compare what others are doing. If you can't do 6, you can't do it. Trying to do something you just can't do will only get you burnt out or worse, injured!

Listen to your body--if your body is saying rest, then rest.
 
Hi Lizzy,

I do work out 6 days a week MOST weeks. I'm fortunate to have enough time for working out, so I give it my all as often as I can. There are weeks, however, when I do 4 or 5 days because as Fitness Goddess said, no one can do 6 days per week for long periods of time. Fatigue does happen, and it accumulates. Rest is your best friend at times like that.:)

I guess what you need to figure out for yourself is what your fitness goals are, and how soon you want to get there. I want to get to my goals faster, so I'm working hard. Still, I account for the fact that life gets in the way a lot, which means I also have to be flexible with my rotations and kind to myself.

I don't think you're lazy. Lazy is mindlessly watching TV while eating bonbons.:) If you need motivation and are concerned about working out only a body part once per week, why don't you do the entire upper body workout in the DVD twice a week and skip the cardio? See how you feel with such a routine. You can always add your favorite segments as you go along.

Good luck.:7

Pinky
 
The frequency with which one works out is as personalized as anything else. It's only natural to compare yourself to others, but try to avoid judging yourself because of those comparisons.

Although I used to maintain a 5-workout-per-week schedule, I've kind of evolved *grumble* to a 4-session-per-week schedule; however, I do longer sessions, and I'm still able to build strength and go hammer and tongs with the cardio. In fact, my beloved guru Maribeth has chided me recently that a series of irritating little problems I've been having (a twang in my left anterior delt / biceps area, a cold that does not seem to go away, now a twang in my serratus anterior because of bad lifting form this past Sun.) are quite probably the effects of long-term overtraining.

Something is always better than nothing. Maybe extend out the duration of each of your 4 workouts, working two body parts and/or adding a little tick onto the cardio session.

Remember - there are plenty of ways to paddle the canoe. It may take time for you to find your best way.

A-Jock
The Long-Winded But Sincere
 
Lizzy,

I agree with everyone here. Your workout schedule should fit your activity level as well as your lifestyle. I work long days as well so most times I workout in the morning. Something that works for me is a split cardio workout - 30 minutes or so in the mornings and then again in the evenings - and this of course changes as to how may day went. Again, modify as needed. Hope this helps you.

Take care,

Iris
 
Hi Lizzy! Working out 4x a week is just fine. You should, however, put into your rotation high intensity/low intensity days to confuse your metabolism & rev it up. For your high intensity days you might want to work it like this:

Mon: CTX chest & PH chest & Leaner Legs abs
CTX shoulders & PH shoulders
CTX triceps & PH triceps
Tues: IMAX 1 or 2
Wed: CTX back & PH back & CTX biceps & MIS biceps & 30 min. cardio
Thurs: PS SLA

or

Mon: ME or PH or MIS or PUB
Tues: Cardio Kicks
Wed: Same as Mon.
Thurs: IMAX 1 or 2

Just a suggestion take it or leave it, Kathy

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Lizzy, I do work out about 6 days a week, because that is my choice:7
and I don't have any small children to take care of. I can pretty much work out when I want. So I don't think its a matter of how much a person works out, I think its how much you personally can put into it, some can do more some have to do what they can. I also average about 2 hrs a day, again, my choice, I work out in the morning on the treadmill and at nights with weights. Hope this helps ..... Rhonda :7
 
I know how you feel. I absolutely have to stop comparing myself to others because it's useless to do that. I have come to learn that reading this forum is making me actually feel bad that I don't work out as much as others. 4 workouts per week is the best I can do unless I quit my job, give up my child and/or hire a maid. None of those are options so I have to quit coming around here. It's so hard though because I've grown so attached to all of you and it's a wonderful group of people here. Oh well, whats a girl to do?
Lisa
 
Hi Lizzy

To be totally honest working out 6 days a week for me is an indulgence. It also leads to fatigue, constant muscle soreness and a voracious apetite for me. But I do love working out so I allow myself some extra occasionally. Ordinarily, I work out intensely only 4 days a week. Its what my body likes. Infact I have a body that gives me more results on less. I've also realised that when I work out 6 days a week, I don't have the energy to do things that in real life, need to get done - housework and what not. I also get moody, irritable and rather unhealthily obsessed with exercise/food.

So don't feel guilty. Do what feels right for your body and lifestyle. Its beneficial to push a little extra time and again but to keep it up all the time can be a lot for some people. Of course there's always walking, biking etc. I walk a lot to keep my blood pumping, guilt levels low and energy high. Take care and enjoy CTX.
 
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