Workout Length

smgibson

New member
Got my diet in order for a good bulking cycle. But my only question now is. What is the proper amount of time that should be spent during a given workout. I have heard some say that anywhere from 1 hour to an hour and a half is sufficient in order to prevent over training. Others say they workout as long as they need to until finished. My last workout was easily two and a half hours taking into consideration the rest between sets. Maybe my rest periods bewteen sets is too long, or maybe i'm just working out too long. Just trying to figure out if i'm working out past a certain put that is actually doing more harm that good. Any input appreciated.
 
RenegadeRows said:
One hour at the most. More intensity = less time
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Exactly. Intensity is what its all about. Without muscle overload you won't gain, simple as that. It doesn't take 4 sets to achieve this. I spend 30-40 min max at the gym. If i'm cutting i'll run or something in the morning.
 
I never go above 2-3 mins between sets MAX, other than that, however long it takes me to finish. Usually about 1hr - 1hr 20 mins.
 
Alright..Sounds good..Appreciate the input..The reason my sessions last so long is 1) too long of a rest between sets and 2) too many different workouts for each muscle group..My though was to do as many and as many different exercises as i could..Will cut down rest periods and amount of exercises performed..
 
RenegadeRows said:
While I find some HIT interesting, I think the middle road is the best.
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True. Each style has it's place. From a physiological standpoint, H.I.T. proper training on specialized equipment is most ideal for direct muscle stimulation and full range exercise. If you can pull the "correct" stuff out of each style of training, you have a arsenal of training techniques.
 
HITscientist said:
True. Each style has it's place. From a physiological standpoint, H.I.T. proper training on specialized equipment is most ideal for direct muscle stimulation and full range exercise. If you can pull the "correct" stuff out of each style of training, you have a arsenal of training techniques.
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I agree.

I think if someone were to use HIT for a few weeks, and then move onto a HST/Volume workout for a few weeks, the combination would inspire good growth.

I also think the idea of rest-pause, going to failure, etc is very good for stimulating growth, although I wouldn't use those techniques in every session.

RR
 
RenegadeRows said:
I agree.

I think if someone were to use HIT for a few weeks, and then move onto a HST/Volume workout for a few weeks, the combination would inspire good growth.

I also think the idea of rest-pause, going to failure, etc is very good for stimulating growth, although I wouldn't use those techniques in every session.

RR[/QUOTE

Right now I'm using max-ot, I love the program but I find getting to the gym 5 times a week is hard with my schedule. I may go back to HIT.
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SteelEntity said:
RenegadeRows said:
I agree.

I think if someone were to use HIT for a few weeks, and then move onto a HST/Volume workout for a few weeks, the combination would inspire good growth.

I also think the idea of rest-pause, going to failure, etc is very good for stimulating growth, although I wouldn't use those techniques in every session.

RR[/QUOTE

Right now I'm using max-ot, I love the program but I find getting to the gym 5 times a week is hard with my schedule. I may go back to HIT.
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Yikes, 5 days a week :) My split is 4 days a week and I have trouble doing that!

Couldn't you do Max-OT style but train 2 bodyparts per day? Like

Monday - Chest + Triceps
Wed - Back + Biceps
Friday - Legs + Shoulders

???
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RenegadeRows said:
SteelEntity said:
Yikes, 5 days a week :) My split is 4 days a week and I have trouble doing that!

Couldn't you do Max-OT style but train 2 bodyparts per day? Like

Monday - Chest + Triceps
Wed - Back + Biceps
Friday - Legs + Shoulders

???
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The point of max-OT is to obtain muscle over load in a very short time frame with maximum intensity, then get the hell out of the gym before you enter a catabolic state. By training 1 body part at a time you focus everything you have into that particular muscle group. With the exception of bis and tris plus abs, each body part is grouped for separate days. It makes perfect sense, but is not time friendly. I have had some of my best results with this program but my work hours are getting steep and trekking to the gym 5 days a week is getting hard. I may go back to a HIT routine, 2-3 days a week... very nice in that regard.
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I train a little longer than most people. Probably hour and a half at least. My body tells me when my last set for the night is coming up. This feeling comes into play significantly sooner when I am cutting :)
 
I'm sorry, but 1 1/2 hours of strength training... not only do I think you've already broken down muscle and accomplished your goal but also systemically I think that is draining! ... Just my opinion though.
 
HITscientist said:
I'm sorry, but 1 1/2 hours of strength training... not only do I think you've already broken down muscle and accomplished your goal but also systemically I think that is draining! ... Just my opinion though.
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Everybody is different. Different things work for different people. Plus I'm only 22. You may not be able to work out for that long, but other peoples bodies are different. Hell Arnold used to be able to work out twice a day everyday. Higher volume works for some people, and low volume works for others. High volume has always given me the results, while low volume hasn't.
 
MakaveliThaDon said:
Everybody is different. Different things work for different people. Plus I'm only 22. You may not be able to work out for that long, but other peoples bodies are different. Hell Arnold used to be able to work out twice a day everyday. Higher volume works for some people, and low volume works for others. High volume has always given me the results, while low volume hasn't.
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Arnold = fantastic genetics + juiced to the gills. 99% of people who used his routines would yield horrid results. If you don't train with very high intensity, you can spend longer times at the gym because you have not achieved overload.
 
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