Training Too Long

[Richie]

What is a good amount of time to train for and how often per week? I don't want to overdo it but at the same time I don't want to slack. How much is too much?

[loopthelaces]

It normally varies for me. I try to have some light, medium and hard intensity training over the week, so that I don't feel exhausted every day or spend all my spare time working out instead of doing other things.

[BarkinMad]

You certainly don't want to be training every day. I find that one weekend day is enough and then 2-3 times in the week. On off days I might still go for a gentle jog or cycle to the shops, but nothing that would be considered training intensity-just enough to keep me feeling alive.

[mudskipper]

I normally take off Sunday and alternate light days with harder workouts during the week with one good session on Saturday when I have plenty of time to get everything I want to do in. Going at it two hours a day every day is sure to end badly at some point.

[Run4Fun]

I heard somewhere that it is possible to maintain or even increase your anaerobic and/or aerobic system with only working out 3 days a week. But that being said, I recommend that you practice atleast 5 days a week, but make sure you take a day off in there somewhere. It also depends what you are training for and/or when you want to peak.

[BarkinMad]

I guess it also depends what you consider a day off. I wouldn't personally be happy with a totally sedentary day, but choose to do things like my shopping or clean the house or do gardening on the day off. It's still things that keep you moving, just not to any huge intensity.

[Richie]

I don't mind having a totally bum day. In fact there are days when I don't even get out of bed, and that's just fine too. I get so beat after training and studying too that I veg probably once a week.

So how long is a hard session for you?

[loopthelaces]

My days off normally include window shopping at the mall and walking the dog so they aren't totally vegetative but aren't structured either. I'm not sure I could sit still that long when I'm used to so much exercise.

[Richie]

I can understand that, I really can. I work part time as well as going to school, so when I do get a day off it's just nice to rest and catch up on sleep. If I have something else I have to do that day as well-well then I will likely train or do something else too on that day since the opportunity to veg isn't there.